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Puri: The Jagannath Temple at Puri will remain closed for 4 hours today – from 2 pm to 6 pm in view of the conduct of ‘Rahu Rekha Lagi’ ritual, informed Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA).
A special golden strip called Rahu Rekha which is removed from the heads of Holy Trinity on the day of Snana Purnima will be put back on the deities. As per traditional belief, the ornament Rahu Rekha acts as a shield for Lord Jagannath to save Him from the ill influence of Rahu Kala which is considered inauspicious.
After the Bhogamandap of the deities, Palia Pratihari closes the Jaya Bijaya Dwara of the temple and process for the secret ritual begins. Pati Mohapatra ritually purifies the golden strips and hand them over to the Badagrahis (chief Daitapati servitors) who judiciously adorn the deity of Lord Balabhadra with the golden ornament. Thereafter, Lord Jagannath and Devi Subhadra are also decorated with Rahu Rekha.
The meticulous ornamentation is followed by cleaning of Garbha Gruha called Mahasnana.
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