PURI: Lakhs of devotees thronged the Shri Jagannath temple to have a glimpse of the Tribikram besha of the holy Trinity on the third day of Panchuka brata here on Saturday. The temple opened for the pilgrims at around 4.50 am and servitors began ‘Mangal Arati’ of the deities after completing the purification rituals. The daily rituals began with Mailum followed by Tadap Laagi, Abakas and Rosahoma. The Trinity was adorned in the Tribikram besha by 9.20 am after an offering of Gopal bhog.
Meanwhile, volunteers were seen distributing water bottles to the visitors standing in the queue and policemen escorted differently-abled and elderly devotees inside the temple. During the day, a servitor reportedly sustained serious injuries after falling down on the Baisi Pahacha while carrying the Mahaprasad on his head. The injured Musa Baral of Kanthapur village in Puri was taken to the district headquarters hospital for treatment.
On the other hand, chief administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Ranjan Das told mediapersons that proposed laser scanning of the Bahar Ratnabhandar wall is scheduled to begin from November 28 after conclusion of the Kartik brata on November 27.
“The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has been informed to start the work. The laser scanning machine has already arrived and is with the ASI. If necessary, laser scanning of other small temples located in the vicinity of Srimandir will also be conducted,” Das said adding, the repair works of the Natamandap will also be carried out simultaneously.