Akhandalamani Temple Closed for Lunar Eclipse, Reopens After Rituals
Bhadrak: The famous Akhandalamani Temple in Aradi, Bhadrak district, remained closed for 13 hours on March 3, 2026, due to the Ketugrastha Chandra Grahana (lunar eclipse).
The temple gates were shut at 6:15 PM and reopened at 6:47 PM, with all rituals suspended during the eclipse period.
Special morning rituals, including Mangala Alati, Mahasnana, and Gharshana Lagi, were performed at 3 AM, with the deity adorned in Digambara Besha.
All morning rituals concluded before the eclipse began.
After reopening, priests conducted a purification ceremony (Marjana) followed by Mahasnana.
The temple also observed Dola Niti and the reading of the new Panjika. Public darshan resumed after the rituals were completed.
As per tradition, cooking and consumption of food were prohibited during the eclipse, underscoring the temple’s adherence to age‑old customs.
