Puri: At the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri amid heavy rain and strong winds triggered by Cyclone Arnab, an unusual sight was witnessed today. The sacred ‘Patitapabana Bana’ atop the temple developed a ‘Shunya Ganthi’ (knot formed in the flag), while hundreds of small devotional flags tied to the ‘Neelachakra’ were torn off and fell onto the ‘Dadhinauti’.

Heavy rainfall and strong winds have been lashing Puri since Wednesday morning under the influence of the cyclone. The high wind speed caused parts of the ‘Patitapabana Bana’, hoisted atop the temple’s towering structure, to tear. A ‘Shunya Ganthi’ subsequently appeared on the flag, drawing attention among devotees.

At the same time, hundreds of small flags tied by devotees to the ‘Neelachakra’ as offerings and in fulfilment of their wishes were torn away by the strong winds. The torn flags were found lying on the ‘Dadhinauti’, the upper circular structure of the temple’s spire.

According to beliefs, the appearance of a ‘Shunya Ganthi’ on the Patitapabana Bana is considered an auspicious sign. Some devotees believe it symbolises divine intervention to avert a major calamity.

The unusual development sparked discussions among devotees. Some stated Lord Jagannath’s blessings would protect the region and Cyclone Arnab would weaken without causing major damage.

“Lord Jagannath will protect everyone. The appearance of the ‘Shunya Ganthi’ indicates the cyclone will not cause further major damage,” a devotee said, expressing faith in the deity.

Meanwhile, according to information from the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Chuna servitors will climb the temple structure after weather conditions improve to replace the damaged flag with a new one.

The flag replacement ritual will be undertaken once conditions are safe for the servitors to access the temple’s upper structure.