Tuesday, June 27 2006 15:15 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Puri: Lakhs of devotees thronged the road outside the 12th century Sri Jagannath temple here as the annual rath yatra commenced today amid unprecedented security following the government's decision to outlaw the Maoists.

Fine sunny weather greeted the pilgrims this morning as priests went through a series of complex rituals inside the sanctum sanctorum preparing the deities for the famous festival.

The deities Jagannath, Balabhadra and their sister Subhadra will be taken out on a nine-day sojourn to the Gundicha temple on three huge colourful chariots.

The festival is being held this year under unprecedented security with over 6,000 policemen guarding the temple and its surroundings. Hidden surveillance cameras have been installed at various points in the shrine and outside.

The security net has been thrown over the town in the wake of Orissa government's recent decision to declare 'unlawful' the activities of the CPI (Maoist) and seven of its front organisations.

The deities, who were in the 'anasar ghar' (sick chamber) of the temple for the last fortnight following the 'snan yatra' (bathing festival), emerged from their hibernation only yesterday as thousands of devotees had a glimpse.

As per temple tradition, the deities are believed to have fallen sick after the bathing festival and remain away from public view in the 'anasar ghar'.

The temple 'raj vaidya' (chief physician) even treats them during the period and tribal priests, also known as 'daitas', remain in charge of the deities offering them fruits and water mixed with cheese.