A video allegedly recorded inside the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri has gone viral on social media, once again raising concerns over the enforcement of the temple’s ban on mobile phones.

According to reports, a devotee is believed to have carried a mobile phone into the temple premises and recorded a video from the Pata Agana area before uploading it to Instagram. The incident has sparked criticism, as carrying and using mobile phones inside the temple is strictly prohibited.

The viral video has renewed questions about how mobile phones continue to find their way into the shrine despite repeated restrictions imposed by the temple administration.

Devotees have demanded strict action against those responsible for violating the temple rules. At the same time, concerns have also been raised over the role of temple staff and security personnel, with calls for stronger measures to prevent the unauthorized entry of mobile phones into the temple premises.

This is not the first time visuals from inside the 12th-century shrine have surfaced online. In the past, photographs and videos from areas such as the Baishi Pahacha (22 steps), Ananda Bazaar, Mahalaxmi Temple, and other restricted sections of the temple have circulated on social media, leading to complaints and police cases.

The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has previously issued strict guidelines prohibiting devotees from carrying mobile phones inside the temple. Despite these measures, repeated incidents of unauthorized photography and videography have highlighted concerns over the effectiveness of the existing security arrangements.

The latest incident has once again hurt the sentiments of many devotees, who have urged the temple administration to strengthen security protocols and ensure strict enforcement of the ban on mobile phones inside the sacred shrine.

The holy town of Puri is set to witness one of the most spectacular rituals of the annual Rath Yatra as Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra will be adorned in the magnificent Suna Besha (Golden Attire) on Saturday. Millions of devotees are expected to gather along the Grand Road (Bada Danda) to witness the deities in their dazzling golden ornaments atop their chariots.

Observed on Ashadha Shukla Ekadashi, the Suna Besha is performed while the deities remain seated on their respective chariots near the Singhadwara of the Jagannath Temple after the Bahuda Yatra.

As per temple tradition, the Bhitarchha Mahapatra servitor adorns Lord Jagannath with the golden ornaments, the Talichha Mahapatra decorates Lord Balabhadra, while the Pushpalaka servitor performs the adornment of Devi Subhadra.

According to the special ritual schedule, the Suna Besha will begin at 5:00 PM and continue until 11:00 PM, after which the ornaments will be ceremonially removed. If the temple rituals conclude ahead of schedule, devotees may get an opportunity to witness the divine attire from the afternoon itself.

To ensure smooth crowd management, authorities have made elaborate barricading arrangements along the Bada Danda. Devotees will enter from the left side of the Grand Road, have darshan in front of the three chariots, and exit through the right side.

Golden Ornaments of Lord Jagannath

During Suna Besha, Lord Jagannath is adorned with an array of sacred gold ornaments, including:

• Golden crown (Kirit)
• Golden hands (Sri Bhuj)
• Golden feet (Sri Payar)
• Golden Sudarshan Chakra
• Silver conch (Shankha)
• Odhiani
• Chandra-Surya ornaments
• Adakani
• Ghagara Mali
• Kadamba Mali
• Bahada Mali
• Tabij Mali
• Sebati Mali
• Tilak
• Chandrika
• Alaka
• Jhoba Kanthi
• Trikhandika
• Waist ornament (Kamarpati)

Golden Ornaments of Lord Balabhadra

Lord Balabhadra is decorated with:

• Golden crown (Kirit)
• Golden hands and feet
• Golden plough (Hala)
• Golden mace (Musala)
• Odhiani
• Kundala (ear ornaments)
• Chandra-Surya ornaments
• Adakani
• Ghagara Mali
• Kadamba Mali
• Bahada Mali
• Baghanakha Mali
• Sebati Mali
• Tilak
• Chandrika
• Alaka
• Jhoba Kanthi
• Trikhandika
• Kamarpati

Ornaments of Devi Subhadra

Devi Subhadra is adorned with:

• Golden crown (Kirit)
• Odhiani
• Ear ornaments
• Chandra-Surya ornaments
• Ghagara Mali
• Kadamba Mali
• Sebati Mali
• Tagadi ornament

Suna Besha is considered one of the most revered rituals of the Jagannath cult, symbolising the divine majesty and prosperity of the sibling deities. The grand spectacle attracts lakhs of devotees and visitors from across India and abroad every year.

Early Morning Rituals Mark the Beginning of the Grand Festival

The world-famous Rath Yatra in Puri begins with a series of sacred rituals performed before sunrise inside the Jagannath Temple. The day starts with Mangala Alati, followed by Abakash (morning purification rituals) and the daily adornment of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra.

The rituals continue with Rosha Homa, Surya Puja, and Dwarapala Puja. Water is ceremonially sprinkled inside the sanctum, while temple servitors carry out traditional rituals associated with the deities. The Sakala Dhupa offering is then made with Khechudi, Pitha, Takua, and other sacred food preparations, which are offered through the traditional Shodasha Upachara rituals.

Continuous Worship During the Deities’ Journey

From the moment the deities leave the Ratna Singhasana (jeweled throne) until they return after the nine-day festival, temple worship continues without interruption.

Senior temple servitors perform Mangalarpana before the deities. Ritual offerings are arranged in brass vessels, while floral offerings and sacred cotton threads are prepared for the ceremonial adornment of the Lords. Nine special Tuli (sacred cotton wicks), traditionally supplied by Raghav Das Math, are used during the rituals.

Meanwhile, the Daitapati servitors untie the ceremonial bindings of the deities, marking the beginning of their journey outside the sanctum.

Temple Cleared Before the Pahandi Procession

Before the commencement of the Pahandi Bije, the Natamandap and Jagamohan are cleared and purified. Entry is restricted to only authorized temple servitors, officials on duty, and temple police personnel. No dignitaries or unauthorized persons are permitted inside the temple premises during this crucial phase of the rituals.

Pahandi Procession Begins with Sudarshan

The sacred Pahandi Bije begins with the ceremonial procession of Lord Sudarshan. Once Sudarshan reaches the Baishi Pahacha (22 steps), the procession of Lord Balabhadra begins, followed by Goddess Subhadra and finally Lord Jagannath.

As each deity reaches the Baishi Pahacha, they are adorned with the beautifully crafted Tahia, a traditional floral headgear presented by Raghav Das Math.

Music, Devotion and Chants Fill the Grand Procession

The Pahandi procession is accompanied by the sounds of Ghanta (bells), Kahali (traditional trumpets), and Telengi musical instruments. Temple servitors carry ceremonial umbrellas above the deities while devotees and cultural groups perform Odissi dance in front of the divine procession.

The air resonates with chants of “Hari Bol”, “Jai Jagannath”, and the traditional Hulhuli sounds, creating an atmosphere of unparalleled spiritual fervour.

Devotees Witness the Sacred Journey to the Chariots

Thousands of devotees witness the Pahandi from within the temple premises through specially designated barricaded areas. Entry for this special viewing is permitted through authorized tickets.

The Holy Trinity finally proceeds through Ananda Bazaar and the Baishi Pahacha before ascending their respective chariots, marking one of the most awaited and spiritually significant moments of the annual Rath Yatra.

The holy town of Puri has come alive with devotion as Deba Snana Purnima, one of the most significant festivals in the annual Jagannath calendar, is being observed today. After a year-long wait, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Sudarshan were ceremonially brought out from the Ratna Singhasan to the Snana Bedi (bathing altar), where they will bless devotees with the rare Hati Besha (Elephant Attire).

Lakhs of devotees from across Odisha and other parts of the country have gathered in Puri to witness the sacred rituals and seek the blessings of the deities.

Sacred Rituals Mark the Grand Festival

The ceremonial Pahandi procession began early in the morning between 5:00 AM and 7:00 AM, during which the deities were carried in a grand procession to the Snana Bedi.

The main Snana (holy bathing) ritual is scheduled between 12:20 PM and 1:45 PM, followed by the traditional Hati Besha at around 4:30 PM. Devotees will also get an opportunity for Sahan Mela Darshan from 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM, allowing them to have a closer view of the deities. The deities will return to the sanctum through the Bahuda Pahandi late at night.

Thousands of Pilgrims Throng Puri

The festival has transformed Puri into a sea of devotees, with pilgrims lining the Grand Road and surrounding areas since the early hours. Dev Snana Purnima is considered one of the most important public appearances of the deities before the annual Rath Yatra.

Following today’s bathing ceremony, the deities are believed to fall ill and will remain away from public view during the Anasara period before reappearing for the Rath Yatra.

Heavy Security and Traffic Restrictions in Place

With a massive influx of pilgrims and tourists, the Puri Police has implemented elaborate security arrangements across the city. Additional police personnel, lifeguards and volunteers have been deployed to regulate crowds and ensure smooth movement.

Authorities have appealed to devotees to cooperate with security personnel, follow traffic advisories and avoid overcrowding.

Visitors have also been advised to:

• Bathe only in designated safe zones along the beach.
• Keep children under constant supervision.
• Safeguard personal belongings.
• Stay hydrated by drinking sufficient water and wearing light clothing.
• Avoid entering deep or restricted sea areas.
• Refrain from consuming alcohol on the beach.
• Immediately report any suspicious activity or unattended objects to the police.

Locker Facilities and Emergency Assistance

To ensure the safety of pilgrims’ belongings, the Puri Police has arranged government-operated locker and deposit counters at several locations, including the Temple Office rear gate, North Gate, West Gate, South Gate, Surya Complex, Marichi Kote Square, Town Police Station and Market Square.

For emergency assistance, devotees can contact 112, the Tourist Helpline at 6370967100, or access support through the Puri Police WhatsApp Chatbot at 8763199400.

The authorities have urged all visitors to follow official advisories and cooperate fully to ensure a safe and peaceful celebration of one of Lord Jagannath’s most sacred annual festivals.