Odisha CM Mohan Majhi's Spiritual Experience at Puri's Debasnana Purnima

A Divine Experience in Puri

Puri: On Wednesday, Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi made a significant visit to Puri to partake in the Debasnana Purnima rituals, where he was deeply touched by the sight of Lord Jagannath and his siblings during the ceremonial bathing.

With heightened security measures in place, the chief minister arrived at Badadanda (Grand Road) to pay his respects to the Chaturdha Murtis—Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Goddess Subhadra, and Lord Sudarshan—who were ceremoniously brought out from the sanctum and bathed with 108 pots of fragrant water. Majhi expressed his reverence by folding his hands as the deities were majestically displayed on the bathing platform.

An aide remarked, "This moment is profoundly spiritual and emotional," reflecting the chief minister's sentiments after the event.

Majhi's attendance lent additional importance to this annual ritual, which is a key event leading up to the Rath Yatra. The occasion attracted thousands of devotees, prompting the deployment of 70 police platoons to ensure crowd management and a serene atmosphere.

After the sacred bathing, the deities were dressed in the unique Hati Besha (elephant attire), a rare and cherished sight for the attendees. The day’s elaborate rituals commenced with Mangalarpana at 4:30 am, followed by Dhadi Pahandi at 5 am, and Mangala Alati at 9 am. The Chhera Pahanra ceremony, led by Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, took place at 3:30 pm, with the Hati Besha being showcased at 4:30 pm. This attire will be removed later at 11 pm.

The temple administration effectively coordinated the rituals, allowing tens of thousands of devotees to engage in the day-long spiritual festivities.