Bhubaneswar: The sacred Adharapana ritual was performed on Sunday night on the 12th day of Asadha Shukla in front of the Holy Trinity on their chariots at Badadanda, drawing thousands of devotees.
As part of the ritual, water was poured into nine earthen pots placed before the three sibling deities β Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra β on their respective chariots. The pots were then broken on the chariots and the water was offered to Chandi Chamunda and the incorporeal beings.
After leaving the Ratna Bedi and taking their place on the chariots at Badadanda, it is believed that Chandichamunda and the other wandering spirits seeking liberation were satisfied with the darshan of Mahaprabhu.
The Singha Dwar and Badadanda saw a heavy rush of devotees who had gathered to witness the rare ritual.The ceremony began at around 9:15 pm with the breaking of the Adharapana pot of Bada Thakura Sri Balabhadra.
This was followed by Maa Subhadraβs ritual at 9:30 pm. The Adharapana for Mahaprabhu Sri Jagannath was completed at 9:43 pm, marking the end of the rituals for the night.
With the completion of Adharapana, preparations have now begun for Niladri Bije. After a 12-day sojourn on the chariots, the deities will return to the temple on Monday.
On Niladri Bije day, Lord Jagannath will offer rasagola to Goddess Mahalakshmi at the Singha Dwar to pacify her anger β a deeply symbolic and human-like tradition that draws huge crowds every year.
The four deities will be carried from the chariots to the Ratna Singhasana through the Goti Pahandi ritual.
Special rituals will also be performed inside the temple. The auspicious Trayodashi tithi will begin from 4 am on Monday, when the return journey of the Lord to His abode will take place.
