Shri Jagannath is regarded as the Supreme Being and the Sovereign Monarch of the Odishan empire. The entire ritual pattern of Shri Jagannath has been conceived keeping such twin aspects in view. The ritual system of the temple is very elaborate and complex involving a multitude of functionaries above one thousand spread over one hundred categories. The rituals of the Lord can broadly be divided into three parts – the daily, the occasional, and the festive. In our temple these rituals assume the term ‘NITI’ Daily Rituals / NITI in Jagannath Mandir: Mangal Aarati ( opening of the Door and first ritual aarti ) at 5 a.m. Mailam at 6 a.m. – Removal of dresses and flowers, etc of the previous night worn by the Deities. Abakash at  6 a.m. to 6.30 a.m.- Purificatory rites like brushing of teeth and ritual bath Mailam at 6.45 a.m.: Wearing of other clothes