Balakati Soaks in Religious Fervour

BY: SUN STAFF CORRESPONDENT

The site of Lord Sudarshan's Neem tree
[ Photo: Sampradaya Sun ]

Apr 12, 2015 — JAGANNATHA PURI, ORISSA —

Balakati region near Bhubaneswar erupted in joy on Sunday after a Neem tree of the locality was selected for creation of Lord Sudarshan's idol for Nabakalebara festival in Puri. As day breaks, devotees in large numbers thronged near the tree at Gadakantunia village and offered prayers.

The natural ambience, surrounded by water bodies and greenery, reverberated with the chants of "Jai Jagannath" and rhythmic beats of cymbals and gongs. Devotees lighted traditional oil lamps, showered flowers on the tree and put incense sticks on both sides of the road.

[ Photo: Sampradaya Sun ]

"It is a proud moment for us as a Neem tree of our region came in the service of Jagannath Temple," said villager Prafula Sahoo, who claimed to have informed the Jagannath Temple servitors last week about the presence of such a holy tree, meeting all the divine criteria for selection.

"I came from Pipili to catch glimpse of the sacred tree. I am fortunate to witness the Nabakalebara ritual," said Maheswar Sarangi, a devotee. "I would have been grateful if the police had allowed me to touch the tree," Sarangi said.

The pilgrims were not allowed to touch the tree as the Jagannath Temple administration apprehends threat to the tree. "In a state of curiosity, devotees might pluck the leaves and break branches. This might create law and order situation. We requested the police to install fences around the tree," said temple's Chief Administrator, Suresh Mohapatra.

Police had a tough time negotiating the crowds, who kept swelling as time passed. While the road facing the tree was sealed off by the police, a parallel road was choked due to convergence of vehicles and motorcycles. The rush is likely to prevail till next week as the temple administration will chop the tree on April 17. The logs are likely to be transported to Puri on April 18 or 19.

[ Photo: Sampradaya Sun ]

"Since devotees in large numbers will continue to visit the area for the next week, we have planned out elaborate security and traffic arrangements," said commissioner of police R. P. Sharma.

The Khurda district administration engaged contractors to set up temporary rest shades for the priests of Jagannath Temple near the tree. The priests will perform a two-day yagna near the tree from April 15. "Barricades have been installed around the trees to ensure that common public do not interrupt the ritual or touch the tree," Sharma said.