Puri,: In a spiritually charged atmosphere, devotees in Puri were blessed today with the rare Nabajoubana Darshan of Lord Jagannath, marking the end of a 15-day long Anasara period. The divine glimpse of the Lord in His youthful form drew thousands of devotees to the Grand Road (Bada Danda), where Mahaprabhu, along with His siblings Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, will soon embark on the world-famous Rath Yatra, set to commence post-midnight.
After undergoing the traditional Banakalagi Niti yesterday by Dutta Mahapatra sevaks, the Lords appeared today in a radiant and rejuvenated form, leaving devotees awestruck. The Nabajoubana Darshan, meaning “youthful appearance,” symbolizes the Lords’ recovery after the ceremonial Snana Purnima bath, during which they remain in seclusion at the Anasara Ghara.
This morning, the Netrotsav (Festival of the Eyes) is also being observed, marking the ceremonial restoration of divine vision to the deities. As per the temple schedule, Parimanik Darshan (ticketed darshan) was allowed between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM, followed by general public darshan from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM. Post this, the Lords will not be available for further darshan.
Later in the day, a series of rituals including Sarbang, Bandapana, Yatrangi Mahasnan, Surya Puja, Dwarapala Puja, Gopal Bhog, and Sakal Dhupa will be performed before the three majestic chariots are ceremonially moved to the front of the Lions Gate (Singha Dwara) from the Ratha Khala at 4:10 PM.
Following Snana Purnima, the deities enter a rest phase due to fever-like conditions, barring devotees from viewing them. This culminates in today’s Nabajoubana Darshan a symbolic return of vigor and divine beauty. The Lords are adorned in fresh attire and sandalwood paste, giving them a glowing, renewed look, much to the joy of the waiting devotees.
Notably, the deities do not return to the Ratna Singhasana (bejewelled throne) during this period. Instead, they are prepared for the grand Rath Yatra, which takes place on Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya, when the deities travel to the Shri Gundicha Temple in massive, beautifully decorated wooden chariots.
With meticulous arrangements made by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), a smooth darshan experience was ensured for the surging crowd. Devotees from across the country and abroad flock to Puri year after year, eagerly awaiting this once in a year opportunity to witness the divine rejuvenation and chariot festival.
