In elaborate rituals conducted under the guidance of eminent priests from Shri Mandir in Puri, Odisha, the Prana Pratistha (hallowed consecration) rituals of the holy deities, Lord Jagannatha, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and the divine Sudarshana Chakra were performed over 3 days by the Shree Jagannatha Society UK (SJS UK) and Shree Ram Mandir Southall at the temple premises in the presence of devotees from both Trusts. The week-long festivities concluded on 6th November at a public function at the temple where the deities were formally unveiled at a function attended by eminent personalities and devotees from across the UK.
The Prana Pratistha rituals commenced on 1st November, with the Sankalpa puja (dedication ceremony) and elaborate ritualistic invocation of Lord Ganesha. The next day, a series of Abhishekas (ritual bathing) of the Chaturdha Murtis were performed with water, ghee, milk, honey, water etc. On day 3 of the ceremonies a grand Vigraha Prana Pratistha Homam (sacrificial offering to fire) was performed. Earlier, the idols of the deities were carved from the trunk of a holy Neem Tree that was found in the Indian state of Odisha, and that bore all the scriptural sacred markings associated with Lord Jagannatha.
On 6th November devotees from across the country thronged to the Mandir for the Vigraha Sthapana function to catch a long-awaited glimpse of Lord Jagannatha and the Chaturdha Murtis. Shri Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister of Odisha State addressed the gathered devotees over video message and congratulated the Shree Jagannatha Society UK.
The worshippers were addressed by Brahamarishi Mohanji of the Mohanji Foundation. Guruji Dr. Chandr Bhanu Satpathy, the Head of the Shirdi Sai Global Foundation commended the efforts of SJS UK Members. In his message, the Deputy High Commissioner of India, expressed happiness that the arrival of Lord Jagannatha in London will help spread India’s civilizational ethos. Padmashri Bob Blackman MP recalled the role of Temples and the Hindu community in furthering community spirit, tolerance, and spirituality in society. Shri Sumant Mansingh, President Odisha Society of UK (OSUK) declared that that dream of Odias to have a temple for Lord Jagannatha has been fulfilled. Noted Odia actor and singer, Shri Sabyasachi Mishra recalled the efforts of SJS UK to support Covid19 patients in Odisha by providing oxygen concentrators and cylinders.
Shri Umesh Sharma, Chairperson of Shree Ram Mandir Southall, welcomed the dignitaries from several Gurudwaras, Temples and Socio-Cultural and Religious organisations.
Earlier, Dr. Sahadev Swain, President SJS UK, welcomed the gathering. Dr. Prakash Dey, Secretary SJS UK, recounted the numerous philanthropic and social activities undertaken by the Trust, and provided an update on the activities of the Trust. Dr. Dey reiterated the Trust’s determination to complete the 1st phase of temple construction by 2024 at a projected cost of 4 million pounds (GBP). He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Trustees and Members of Shree Ram Mandir, Southall for their generous partnership and wholehearted support.
Shree Jagannatha Society, United Kingdom is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation registered with the Charity Commission England and Wales (Registration No. 1191544). All donations to SJS UK are tax exempt in the UK, and can be made via Direct Bank Transfer or PayPal. Further details are available on the website https://www.shreejagannatha.uk/ and via email to [email protected].
