The temple of Shri Jagannath is the most sacred shrine of India. While several temples have vanished or have declined in importance, the Shri Jagannath Temple at Puri is still a living and vibrant temple. It occupies a special place in the religious and cultural History of Orissa. Over the centuries, it has attracted kings, conquerers, religious teachers, anchorite hermits, devotees and pilgrims. In the minds of millions of people in India: Orissa is the land of Shri Jagannath.
Lord Shri Jagannath, the symbol of universal love and brotherhood is worshipped in the Temple alongwith Balabhadra, Subhadra, Sudarshan, Madhaba, Sridevi and Bhudevi on the Ratnabedi or the be jewelled citadel.
The rituals of the temple of Jagannath may be classified under three heads :- (a) the daily rituals or 'nitis' which are fixed and are observed every day as routine course; (b) the special nitis according to the speciality of certain days (i.e. Thursday, Amabasya, Ekadasi & Naksyatra Bandapana etc). (c) the various festivals observed during the year, some outside the temple and some inside come under the category of festive nitis. Besides these, there are some rituals which by tradition are kept secret. The present article highlights the daily rituals of the Lord Shri Jagannath Mahaprabhu
1. "DWARPHITA & MANGAL ALATI" AT 5 A.M.(Opening of the Temple door & auspicious lamp offering)
The doors of the sanctum are to be opened early morning by 5 A.M. During the month of Kartika(October-November) and Pausa(Dec-Jan) and on certain specific days, the doors are to be opened much before 5A.M. i.e. between 2 to 3 A.M. . Presence of five servitors(Bhitarchha Mahapatra, Pratihari, Muduli, Akhanda Mekap and Palia Mekap) is necessary for performance of 'dwarphita neeti' (Opening of the temple door). The doors are opened after Bhitarchha Mahapatra examines the "seal", placed on the padlocks in the last night by another servitor known as Talichha Mahapatra.
On some days, extra rituals or delay in completion of rituals leads to not to do "Pahada"(closing the temple doors after the final ritual is over in the night). On such occasions, it become impossible to opening of the doors on the following morning and only from 'Mangalaalati' onwards the rituals commence.
The subsequent ritual after 'Dwarapitha' is Mangalaalati i.e. the offering of sacred lamps to the deities. Bhitarchha Mohapatra and two other Puspalak servitors perform the rituals standing below the RatnaVedi(Pedestral).
2. "MAILAM" AT 6 A.M.(Removal of dress,flowers etc.)
The scheduled time for Mailam is 6 a.m. , but it depends upon the time taken for Mangala alati. "Mailam" is a word used in Shri Jagannath Temple, which means change or removal of dresses and flowers etc. The servitors associated with this particular ritual are Puspalak (3 persons), khuntia, Changada Mekap and Dhoba.
Three Puspalak servitors change the clothes, flowers, Tulasi Leaves of the Deities, worn on the last night. After removal of clothes, another clean or washed set of clothes known as 'Tadapa' and 'Uttariya' like towels are worn by the Deities. These clothes are washed by servitor Dhoba who is actually brahmin by caste.
3. "ABAKASH" - 6 A.M. TO 6.30 A.M.(Purification rites of the Deities)
Purificatory rites like brushing of teeth and bath of Deities is known as "Abakash". This ritual takes place between 6 to 6.30 in the morning. These rites are performed by servitors like Puspalaks, Suarbadu, Paniapat, Mukhapakhal and Khuntia, Darpania Mukhapakhal, Padhiary, Amla Ghatuary, Bhandar Mekap, Mahabhoi and Khuri Nayak.
Three Puspalaks perform a simple worship sitting on the floor below the Ratnavedi. They sprinkle water mixed with camphor, curd amala and sandal paste on three brass mirrors, each about two feet high, symbolizing the bath. Before that, they also show the tooth sticks and tongue scrappers to the Deities, symbolising brushing of the teeth. During such rites, the temple Jyotisha (Astrologer) reads out the tithi (Timing) and other astrological details of the day.
4. "MAILAM" AT 6.45 A.M.(Removal of dress and flowers etc.)
At this time 6.45 A.M. deities change their clothes (Tadap & Uttariya) and wear another set of clothes. A servitor known as "Akhanda Mekap" keeps in the sanctum Akhanda Baitha. This lamp is not extinguished and burns till 'pahada' i.e. the time of retirement of the Deities to beds. The servitors associated with this ritual are Puspalak, Changada Mekap, Suar Badu, Dhaba etc.
5. "SAHANAMELA" - 7A.M. TO 8 A.M.(Emergence to public)
The time of Sahanamela of the Deities is 7 a.m. Though this is not a part of the rituals, but about one hour is spent to facilitate pilgrims to go up to "Ratnavedi" or inner sanctums to have a Darshan, without paying fees for it. General public get opportunity to see the Deities at a very close distance. Sahanamela is usually conducted for one hour. Though there is provision for 'Sahanamela' twice a day, but in practice, it is being held only once. On certain festive day, Sahanamela is held after 'Sandhyadhupa' (evening puja). During the month of Kartika it is held in the evening after Sandhyaalati and in the month of Pausha it is held after 'Sakaldhupa'. Sometimes it is held after 'morning dhup' and on certain festive days, there is no provision for Sahanamela. It is not treated as a part of rituals but is held only to enable ordinary public to go near the Deities.
6. "BESHALAGI" AT 8 A.M.(Dressing of Deities)
Beshlagi is performed at 8 a.m. The Deties are again dressed up which can be witnessed from a little distance i.e. "Bhitara Katha". At this time, Deities are also adorned with gold and precious stones to suit diffeerent festive occasions.
7. "ROSHA HOMA" - 8 A.M. to 8.30 A.M.(Sacrifing fire to the deities)
At the time 8 to 8.30 a.m. While some sevayats are busy with 'Beshalagi' of the Deities, Pujapanda servitors at that time perform "Rosha Homa" (Fire Sacrifice) at the sacred kitchen. Here now starts the cooking of holy food (Maha prasad). Previously 'Deula Purohita' sevaks (The temple priests) were performing such rituals. The other servitors engaged in the ritual are Dhopakhalia and Mekap.
8. "SURYA PUJA"(Sun Worship)Next follows SURYA PUJA (Sun Worship).
Surya Puja means worship to Sun God which is performed near Muktimandap inside the temple. For this niti Pujapanda, Suarbadu, Patribadu, Garabadu and Ghatuari servitors remain present.
9. "DWARAPALA PUJA"(Worship of the divine gatekeepers)
Then The Divine gatekeepers "Jaya" and "Vijaya" on the entranfe of the Jagamohan of the Temple gate are worshipped by the servitor known as puja Panda.
10. "GOPALA BALLAVA PUJA" AT 9 A.M.(Breakfast of the God)
The time for breakfast of the deities is at 9 A.M. At this time sweet popcorn (Khei), Khualadus, Coconuts sweets (Kora), Ripe banana, Curd, and chipped coconuts etc. are offered as bhogas. Puja is performed in a brief manner with pancha upachar only.
11. "SAKALA DHUPA" AT 10 A.M.(Morning food offering)
The word Dhupa means offering of bhoga to deities. The prescribed time for Sakal Dhupa is about 10 AM morning. The sakal dhupa is commonly known as Kotha Bhoga or Raja Bhoga. Earlier Gajapati Maharaja of Puri was the Superintendent of the temple and he used to bear the entire cost of this morning meal of Lord. At present the cost is born by the temple administration as the management of the temple has been taken over by the Government of Orissa. Three Pujapandas perform this puja in the garbhagriha sitting on Ratnavedi. Supakaras known as Suar who used to cook the food carry the same in kudua (earthen pot) to the garbhagriha for the purpose of puja. After the puja, alati is offered to deities by the Pujapanda. After alati, a certain portion of Prasad is taken to the temple of mother Bimala where it is reoffered to Goddess Bimala and thereafter it becomes Mahaprasad. The glories of Mahaprasad have been described in Padma Puran. The sakal dhupa consists of Kanika(sweet rice) khechudi, Dal, vegetable curries, fried vegetables etc. Besides various types of cakes (pitha) like Kanti, Mathapuli, Hansapuli and jhili etc are offered to the deities.
12. "MAILAM & BHOGA MANDAP" AT 11 A.M.
After Sakal dhupa, the deities change their dresses, which are known as Mailam. After this niti, Bhoga Mandap niti starts. The prescribed time for this niti is about11 AM. A large quantity of bhoga such as rice, dal, vegetable curry of different types, cakes of different kinds are offered to the deities in a big hall known as Bhoga Mandap Griha at the back side of Garuda Stambha in Natamandira of the temple. This bhoga is prepared by the Suaras on commercial basis to provide large quantity of food to the public. The temple administration does not bear any cost for this bhoga. Three Pujapandas perform this puja in Bhogamandap Griha. On certain festive occasion and depending on high demand of bhoga, bhogamandap bhoga may be performed two to three times a day after Dwiprahara dhuapa (mid-day meal).
13. "MADHYANHA DHUPA" - 11A.M. to 1 P.M.(Afternoon food offering)
The time for this dhupa is prescribed at 1 PM. This niti is performed in the same manner as in Sakal dhupa. Three Pujapandas perform this puja in Garbhagriha with same categories of food arranged in Sakal dhupa. After puja, alati is offered to deities and certain portion of food is
re-offered to mother Bimala. Varieties of cakes are offered to deities.
14. "MADHYANHA PAHUDHA" - 1 P.M. to 1.30 P.M.
If nitis are performed in time and time permits, the deities retire between 1.30 PM and 2 PM. During this time, Jaya Bijaya dwar and Beheran dwar (south gate facing to Muktimandap) remain closed.
15. "SANDHYA ALATI"
If there is Madhyan Pahuda, after opening of doors, the deities change their dresses. This niti is performed by Taluchha and Palia Pushpalak. If there is no Madhyan Pahuda, then after Madhyan dhupa and change of dress, sandhya alati niti is performed. In this niti, the deities are decorated with large quantity of scented and favourite flowers along with Tulasi. This sight is really unforgettable one.
16. "SANDHYA DHUPA" - 7 P.M. to 8 P.M.
The prescribed time for this niti is about 8 PM. This puja is performed by Pujapandas in same manner as in sakal and madhyanna dhupa. Items of food offered to deities are Subas Pakhal(water mixed rice) and pitha(cakes) like Mahapuli, Takua, Bhogapitha, Kakara, Chadheineda, and Amalu. After puja, alati is offered.
17. "MAILAM AND CHANDANA LAGI"
If time permits sometimes Sahanamela (public darshan) is allowed free of cost to the public for going to Garbhagriha. If there is no
Sahanamela, then mailam i.e. change of dress and Chandanalagi niti means sandal wood paste mixed with camphor, kasturi and kesar is applied on the body of deities. This niti is performed by the Pushpalak sevak assisted with Suarbadu, Ghatuari. Muduli, Palia Mekap, Garabadu and Hadap Naik and Palia Khuntia, Palia Padhiari.
18. "BADASINGHAR VESHA"
After Chandanalagi,the deities are dressed up again which is known as Badasinghar Besa. It is the last besa niti of deities and with this besa deities retire in bed for the night.In this besa the deities put on Barulagi patta on which his most favourite song Gitagovinda verse is woven. The deities are decorated with scented flowers ornament like Chandrika, Padak Tilak, Jhumpa and Chausara. Really this besa is very very beautiful and at this moment the environment is such that one can not remove his sight and like to gaze till end of the besa. The deities look so nice and magnificent that cannot be expressed in words.
19. "BADASINGHARA BHOGA"
After besa, Badasinghar Dhupa starts at about 11 PM at night. The items of food offered to deities are Pakhal, Kanji and Kadalibhaja. The puja is performed by the Pujapandas in the Garbhagriha on the basis of Pancha Upachar Puja which takes a little time to over. After puja, Alati is offered by Pujapandas.
20. "KHATA SEJA LAGI AND PAHUDA" AT 12.00 A.M.
This is the last niti of the day and the time is around 12 mid-night provided nitis are performed in time. The arranged bed and bed sheets of the deities are taken to Garbhagriha. Then the Sayan Thakur is brought from the Bhandar ghara and at Jaya Bijay Dwar a niti is performed in which Paida (green coconut) is offered to deities alongwith pana (betel nuts). There after alati is offered.The Sayan Thakur is then taken to Ratnavedi and placed near Lord Jagannath. During this niti, Bada Chhata Math performs kirtan and bhajan, the essence of which is to please the deities at the time of retiring to bed. After this the deities retire to bed, lamps are made off and the Kalahat dwar, Jaya Bijaya dwar and Beheran dwar are sealed by the sevak Taluchha Mahapatra. Then all visitors and sevakas are allowed to vacate the temple premises. Some special temple police men remain inside the temple to make watch and ward at night.
Lord Shri Jagannath, the symbol of universal love and brotherhood is worshipped in the Temple alongwith Balabhadra, Subhadra, Sudarshan, Madhaba, Sridevi and Bhudevi on the Ratnabedi or the be jewelled citadel.
The rituals of the temple of Jagannath may be classified under three heads :- (a) the daily rituals or 'nitis' which are fixed and are observed every day as routine course; (b) the special nitis according to the speciality of certain days (i.e. Thursday, Amabasya, Ekadasi & Naksyatra Bandapana etc). (c) the various festivals observed during the year, some outside the temple and some inside come under the category of festive nitis. Besides these, there are some rituals which by tradition are kept secret. The present article highlights the daily rituals of the Lord Shri Jagannath Mahaprabhu
1. "DWARPHITA & MANGAL ALATI" AT 5 A.M.(Opening of the Temple door & auspicious lamp offering)
The doors of the sanctum are to be opened early morning by 5 A.M. During the month of Kartika(October-November) and Pausa(Dec-Jan) and on certain specific days, the doors are to be opened much before 5A.M. i.e. between 2 to 3 A.M. . Presence of five servitors(Bhitarchha Mahapatra, Pratihari, Muduli, Akhanda Mekap and Palia Mekap) is necessary for performance of 'dwarphita neeti' (Opening of the temple door). The doors are opened after Bhitarchha Mahapatra examines the "seal", placed on the padlocks in the last night by another servitor known as Talichha Mahapatra.
On some days, extra rituals or delay in completion of rituals leads to not to do "Pahada"(closing the temple doors after the final ritual is over in the night). On such occasions, it become impossible to opening of the doors on the following morning and only from 'Mangalaalati' onwards the rituals commence.
The subsequent ritual after 'Dwarapitha' is Mangalaalati i.e. the offering of sacred lamps to the deities. Bhitarchha Mohapatra and two other Puspalak servitors perform the rituals standing below the RatnaVedi(Pedestral).
2. "MAILAM" AT 6 A.M.(Removal of dress,flowers etc.)
The scheduled time for Mailam is 6 a.m. , but it depends upon the time taken for Mangala alati. "Mailam" is a word used in Shri Jagannath Temple, which means change or removal of dresses and flowers etc. The servitors associated with this particular ritual are Puspalak (3 persons), khuntia, Changada Mekap and Dhoba.
Three Puspalak servitors change the clothes, flowers, Tulasi Leaves of the Deities, worn on the last night. After removal of clothes, another clean or washed set of clothes known as 'Tadapa' and 'Uttariya' like towels are worn by the Deities. These clothes are washed by servitor Dhoba who is actually brahmin by caste.
3. "ABAKASH" - 6 A.M. TO 6.30 A.M.(Purification rites of the Deities)
Purificatory rites like brushing of teeth and bath of Deities is known as "Abakash". This ritual takes place between 6 to 6.30 in the morning. These rites are performed by servitors like Puspalaks, Suarbadu, Paniapat, Mukhapakhal and Khuntia, Darpania Mukhapakhal, Padhiary, Amla Ghatuary, Bhandar Mekap, Mahabhoi and Khuri Nayak.
Three Puspalaks perform a simple worship sitting on the floor below the Ratnavedi. They sprinkle water mixed with camphor, curd amala and sandal paste on three brass mirrors, each about two feet high, symbolizing the bath. Before that, they also show the tooth sticks and tongue scrappers to the Deities, symbolising brushing of the teeth. During such rites, the temple Jyotisha (Astrologer) reads out the tithi (Timing) and other astrological details of the day.
4. "MAILAM" AT 6.45 A.M.(Removal of dress and flowers etc.)
At this time 6.45 A.M. deities change their clothes (Tadap & Uttariya) and wear another set of clothes. A servitor known as "Akhanda Mekap" keeps in the sanctum Akhanda Baitha. This lamp is not extinguished and burns till 'pahada' i.e. the time of retirement of the Deities to beds. The servitors associated with this ritual are Puspalak, Changada Mekap, Suar Badu, Dhaba etc.
5. "SAHANAMELA" - 7A.M. TO 8 A.M.(Emergence to public)
The time of Sahanamela of the Deities is 7 a.m. Though this is not a part of the rituals, but about one hour is spent to facilitate pilgrims to go up to "Ratnavedi" or inner sanctums to have a Darshan, without paying fees for it. General public get opportunity to see the Deities at a very close distance. Sahanamela is usually conducted for one hour. Though there is provision for 'Sahanamela' twice a day, but in practice, it is being held only once. On certain festive day, Sahanamela is held after 'Sandhyadhupa' (evening puja). During the month of Kartika it is held in the evening after Sandhyaalati and in the month of Pausha it is held after 'Sakaldhupa'. Sometimes it is held after 'morning dhup' and on certain festive days, there is no provision for Sahanamela. It is not treated as a part of rituals but is held only to enable ordinary public to go near the Deities.
6. "BESHALAGI" AT 8 A.M.(Dressing of Deities)
Beshlagi is performed at 8 a.m. The Deties are again dressed up which can be witnessed from a little distance i.e. "Bhitara Katha". At this time, Deities are also adorned with gold and precious stones to suit diffeerent festive occasions.
7. "ROSHA HOMA" - 8 A.M. to 8.30 A.M.(Sacrifing fire to the deities)
At the time 8 to 8.30 a.m. While some sevayats are busy with 'Beshalagi' of the Deities, Pujapanda servitors at that time perform "Rosha Homa" (Fire Sacrifice) at the sacred kitchen. Here now starts the cooking of holy food (Maha prasad). Previously 'Deula Purohita' sevaks (The temple priests) were performing such rituals. The other servitors engaged in the ritual are Dhopakhalia and Mekap.
8. "SURYA PUJA"(Sun Worship)Next follows SURYA PUJA (Sun Worship).
Surya Puja means worship to Sun God which is performed near Muktimandap inside the temple. For this niti Pujapanda, Suarbadu, Patribadu, Garabadu and Ghatuari servitors remain present.
9. "DWARAPALA PUJA"(Worship of the divine gatekeepers)
Then The Divine gatekeepers "Jaya" and "Vijaya" on the entranfe of the Jagamohan of the Temple gate are worshipped by the servitor known as puja Panda.
10. "GOPALA BALLAVA PUJA" AT 9 A.M.(Breakfast of the God)
The time for breakfast of the deities is at 9 A.M. At this time sweet popcorn (Khei), Khualadus, Coconuts sweets (Kora), Ripe banana, Curd, and chipped coconuts etc. are offered as bhogas. Puja is performed in a brief manner with pancha upachar only.
11. "SAKALA DHUPA" AT 10 A.M.(Morning food offering)
The word Dhupa means offering of bhoga to deities. The prescribed time for Sakal Dhupa is about 10 AM morning. The sakal dhupa is commonly known as Kotha Bhoga or Raja Bhoga. Earlier Gajapati Maharaja of Puri was the Superintendent of the temple and he used to bear the entire cost of this morning meal of Lord. At present the cost is born by the temple administration as the management of the temple has been taken over by the Government of Orissa. Three Pujapandas perform this puja in the garbhagriha sitting on Ratnavedi. Supakaras known as Suar who used to cook the food carry the same in kudua (earthen pot) to the garbhagriha for the purpose of puja. After the puja, alati is offered to deities by the Pujapanda. After alati, a certain portion of Prasad is taken to the temple of mother Bimala where it is reoffered to Goddess Bimala and thereafter it becomes Mahaprasad. The glories of Mahaprasad have been described in Padma Puran. The sakal dhupa consists of Kanika(sweet rice) khechudi, Dal, vegetable curries, fried vegetables etc. Besides various types of cakes (pitha) like Kanti, Mathapuli, Hansapuli and jhili etc are offered to the deities.
12. "MAILAM & BHOGA MANDAP" AT 11 A.M.
After Sakal dhupa, the deities change their dresses, which are known as Mailam. After this niti, Bhoga Mandap niti starts. The prescribed time for this niti is about11 AM. A large quantity of bhoga such as rice, dal, vegetable curry of different types, cakes of different kinds are offered to the deities in a big hall known as Bhoga Mandap Griha at the back side of Garuda Stambha in Natamandira of the temple. This bhoga is prepared by the Suaras on commercial basis to provide large quantity of food to the public. The temple administration does not bear any cost for this bhoga. Three Pujapandas perform this puja in Bhogamandap Griha. On certain festive occasion and depending on high demand of bhoga, bhogamandap bhoga may be performed two to three times a day after Dwiprahara dhuapa (mid-day meal).
13. "MADHYANHA DHUPA" - 11A.M. to 1 P.M.(Afternoon food offering)
The time for this dhupa is prescribed at 1 PM. This niti is performed in the same manner as in Sakal dhupa. Three Pujapandas perform this puja in Garbhagriha with same categories of food arranged in Sakal dhupa. After puja, alati is offered to deities and certain portion of food is
re-offered to mother Bimala. Varieties of cakes are offered to deities.
14. "MADHYANHA PAHUDHA" - 1 P.M. to 1.30 P.M.
If nitis are performed in time and time permits, the deities retire between 1.30 PM and 2 PM. During this time, Jaya Bijaya dwar and Beheran dwar (south gate facing to Muktimandap) remain closed.
15. "SANDHYA ALATI"
If there is Madhyan Pahuda, after opening of doors, the deities change their dresses. This niti is performed by Taluchha and Palia Pushpalak. If there is no Madhyan Pahuda, then after Madhyan dhupa and change of dress, sandhya alati niti is performed. In this niti, the deities are decorated with large quantity of scented and favourite flowers along with Tulasi. This sight is really unforgettable one.
16. "SANDHYA DHUPA" - 7 P.M. to 8 P.M.
The prescribed time for this niti is about 8 PM. This puja is performed by Pujapandas in same manner as in sakal and madhyanna dhupa. Items of food offered to deities are Subas Pakhal(water mixed rice) and pitha(cakes) like Mahapuli, Takua, Bhogapitha, Kakara, Chadheineda, and Amalu. After puja, alati is offered.
17. "MAILAM AND CHANDANA LAGI"
If time permits sometimes Sahanamela (public darshan) is allowed free of cost to the public for going to Garbhagriha. If there is no
Sahanamela, then mailam i.e. change of dress and Chandanalagi niti means sandal wood paste mixed with camphor, kasturi and kesar is applied on the body of deities. This niti is performed by the Pushpalak sevak assisted with Suarbadu, Ghatuari. Muduli, Palia Mekap, Garabadu and Hadap Naik and Palia Khuntia, Palia Padhiari.
18. "BADASINGHAR VESHA"
After Chandanalagi,the deities are dressed up again which is known as Badasinghar Besa. It is the last besa niti of deities and with this besa deities retire in bed for the night.In this besa the deities put on Barulagi patta on which his most favourite song Gitagovinda verse is woven. The deities are decorated with scented flowers ornament like Chandrika, Padak Tilak, Jhumpa and Chausara. Really this besa is very very beautiful and at this moment the environment is such that one can not remove his sight and like to gaze till end of the besa. The deities look so nice and magnificent that cannot be expressed in words.
19. "BADASINGHARA BHOGA"
After besa, Badasinghar Dhupa starts at about 11 PM at night. The items of food offered to deities are Pakhal, Kanji and Kadalibhaja. The puja is performed by the Pujapandas in the Garbhagriha on the basis of Pancha Upachar Puja which takes a little time to over. After puja, Alati is offered by Pujapandas.
20. "KHATA SEJA LAGI AND PAHUDA" AT 12.00 A.M.
This is the last niti of the day and the time is around 12 mid-night provided nitis are performed in time. The arranged bed and bed sheets of the deities are taken to Garbhagriha. Then the Sayan Thakur is brought from the Bhandar ghara and at Jaya Bijay Dwar a niti is performed in which Paida (green coconut) is offered to deities alongwith pana (betel nuts). There after alati is offered.The Sayan Thakur is then taken to Ratnavedi and placed near Lord Jagannath. During this niti, Bada Chhata Math performs kirtan and bhajan, the essence of which is to please the deities at the time of retiring to bed. After this the deities retire to bed, lamps are made off and the Kalahat dwar, Jaya Bijaya dwar and Beheran dwar are sealed by the sevak Taluchha Mahapatra. Then all visitors and sevakas are allowed to vacate the temple premises. Some special temple police men remain inside the temple to make watch and ward at night.