SJTA moves Puri admn to protect Saradha Bali | Bhubaneswar News – Times of India

Bhubaneswar: The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has requested the Puri district administration to preserve Saradha Bali, the consecrated sandy open space in front of Gundicha Temple, the birthplace of the deities of Jagannath Temple.The SJTA has expressed concerns regarding the use of this sacred space, which holds profound connections to Jagannath culture and Rath Yatra, for various government and private functions throughout the year.The shrine body’s chief administrator, Arabinda Kumar Padhee, has addressed a formal letter to Puri municipality, advocating for the appropriate protection of this hallowed location, which holds substantial importance during the annual Rath Yatra.“In light of its cultural and religious importance, I have requested that the district administration ensures that Saradha Bali is not utilized for any other purpose that may detract from its sanctity and association with Shree Jagannatha Temple,” Padhee said.Padhee emphasised that Saradha Bali requires conservation and improvement in accordance with the Jagannath temple’s cultural legacy and customs. “This important place should be reserved exclusively for purposes ancillary to Shree Jagannatha culture, ensuring that the sacredness and cultural significance of Saradha Bali are maintained for the benefit of devotees,” Padhee said.Saradha Bali serves as a crucial element in the Rath Yatra, designating the location where the chariots halt before the deities proceed to Gundicha Temple. Mythological accounts suggest that a river named Malini previously flowed between the Jagannath Temple and Gundicha Temple. The riverbed was subsequently filled with sand to facilitate the chariot procession during Rath Yatra.“It is believed that the site derives its name from queen Saradha Devi, who reportedly filled the riverbed with sand (bali) following divine instructions received from Lord Jagannath in her dreams. The location becomes a focal point during Rath Yatra, where countless devotees assemble to observe the deities’ arrival at Gundicha Temple,” said culture enthusiast Prasanna Rath.Devotees consider Saradha Bali highly sacred, with many devotional songs dedicated to it. They often collect a small amount of sand from this holy site as a blessing from Lord Jagannath.