The process for carving of new idols (Antah Banajaga rituals) of the deities of the Shree Jagannath Temple here began on Friday with the start of an 11-day-long Mahayajna at the Koili Baikuntha inside the temple premises.
In line with the age-old custom associated with the Nabakalebar process, Puri Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Dev, considered the first Sevak of lord Jagannath, handed over a betel nut (Srihasta Chhuan Gua) to the Rajguru (royal counsellor) at the Sri Nahar (King’s palace), symbolising royal authorisation to go ahead with the process for carving of new idols. The Mahayajna began after the Baran rituals (reception with utmost respect) of Stotriya Brahmins (Brahmins competent in chanting of invocations), Biswabasu and Vidyapati of the Banajaga Yatra team, Biswakarmas (carpenters) and others.
The entire process is being done in complete secrecy with none other than those associated with the rituals allowed to have a view of the proceedings. Even the sound of the tools used for carving of the idols will not be heard outside. Temporary barricades have been erected using palm leaves in the Koili Baikuntha area to keep the process completely out of public view. Moreover, drums and gongs will be constantly sounded to make the inside sound inaudible to outsiders.
According to Dr Siddheswar Mohapatra, a senior priest and research scholar on Jagannath culture, Purnaahuti (culmination) of the Mahayajna will be held on the Asadha Kkrushna Chaturdasi. Biswakarma servitors, under the guidance of Daitapatis, will carve the new idols. Yajnas and other rituals will also be held at all shrines inside and outside the Shree Mandir in Puri.
Meanwhile, the making of chariots is in full swing at the Rath Khala in Puri for the Rath Yatra of the lords.