Lord Jagannath’s Daru “found” at Kharipadia in Jagatsinghpur

Bhubaneswar, April 29: Although the greedy Banajaga Yatra members had already leaked the information to the media more than a week ago, the official confirmation about the identification of Lord Jagannath’s Daru (wood) came at Kharipadia under Raghunathpur block in Jagatsinghpur district of Odisha.

It was announced by Chief Administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Suresh Chandra Mohapatra, who has already played into the hands of Sevayats and Daitapatis and dented his own image as a unbiased and determined administrator. All formalities are being completed to complete the rituals.

As the place was unofficially identified long ago, it has already become a tourist spot with thousands of people thronging there every day. The Sevayats and Daitapatis along with some vested politicians have made the mockery of historic and divine Nabakalebara festival. A lot of altercations, fights, ego tussle and irregularities have been reported in the selection of Darus for the deities.

While Lord Sudarshan’s Daru was found at Gadakantunia near Balakati in Khordha district, Lord Balabhadra’s Daru was identified at Kanakpur Sarala Peetha in Jagatsinghpur district. Devi Subhadra’s Daru was found Nilakantheswar temple in Adhangagada under Biridi block in the same district. Lord Jagannath’s Daru was also finally confirmed in Jagatsinghpur district. So, in the end, it was 3 for Jagatsinghpur and 1 for Khordha, while other districts got nothing for the deities.