Paralakhemundi,(Tarini Prasad Panda): Paralakhemundi, revered as the “Upanta Srikhetra” (Frontier Jagannath Shrine), witnessed a massive influx of devotees on Monday as Deba Snana Purnima was celebrated with great religious fervour, with thousands thronging the Shri Jagannath Temple for the sacred darshan of Lord Jagannath in the Gajanan (Elephant-faced) Avatar.
The festivities began with the ceremonial bathing of the three deities on the Snana Mandap using more than 108 earthen pitchers of sacred Ganga water and green coconuts. The deities were later offered Panchamrita, sandalwood paste and other traditional rituals before being presented for public darshan.
The evening Gajanan Avatar decoration became the centre of attraction, drawing an overwhelming number of devotees. Temple priests said all rituals were conducted in strict accordance with age-old traditions. Pleasant weather further boosted the turnout, while the district administration and police made elaborate arrangements to ensure the festival concluded peacefully.
