PURI, June 9, ( Ot Webdesk) – The holy town of Puri is immersed in spiritual anticipation as the revered Senapata Lagi ritual unfolds at Shree Jagannath Temple.
Scheduled for Tuesday, the sacred tradition marks Lord Jagannath’s preparation for the grand Rath Yatra, symbolising his divine readiness.
According to the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), public darshan will remain suspended from Monday night until 2 PM on Tuesday to facilitate the exclusive ceremony.
This significant event coincides with the Jyeshtha Shukla Chaturdashi tithi and serves as a precursor to the annual Snana Purnima festival.
The Daitapati servitors, entrusted with the deity’s care, meticulously adorn Lord Jagannath with Senapata (protective bandages) and Bahuta (arm guards).
This intricate ritual embodies the deity’s human-like attributes, reinforcing the belief that he safeguards his form before embarking on the Rath Yatra, akin to a warrior preparing for a sacred journey.
The Senapata Lagi ritual is not just an ornamental tradition but a deeply spiritual practice that highlights Lord Jagannath’s Leela (divine play).
The servitors, considered the closest aides of the deity, perform this intimate ceremonial service within the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, reinforcing the bond between the divine and his devotees.
As preparations intensify, the atmosphere in Puri is charged with devotional fervour. The event sets the stage for Snana Purnima and the much-awaited Rath Yatra, further cementing Puri’s reputation as a global spiritual hub.
Though devotees cannot witness the ritual in person, they eagerly await the temple’s reopening to offer prayers and observe the divine preparations.
