Puri: The ritual of ‘Adhara Pana,’ a significant part of the world-famous Rath Yatra, was conducted on Thursday atop the three gigantic chariots of Lord Jagannath and His sibling deities, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, near the Lion’s Gate (Singhadwar) of the Sri Mandir in Puri. This unique tradition drew lakhs of devotees, who witnessed the event with deep devotion and spirituality.
Observed on Asadha Shukla Pakshya Dwadashi Tithi, ‘Adhara Pana’ takes place before the ‘Niladree Bije’ and after the ‘Suna Besha’. The term ‘Adhara Pana’ translates to the offering of a sweet drink to the deities in pots that touch their lips. The earthen pots are broken after the offering.
Each deity receives a sweet drink from three large cylindrical earthen pots on their respective chariots. Notably, this sacred offering is not consumed by any devotees. Experts in Jagannath culture explain that the sweet ‘pana’ is intended for the spirits surrounding the chariots.
Following an age-old tradition, potters from Kumbharpada craft the pots, and the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Raghab Das Mutt, and Bada Odia Mutt arrange them. Water is sourced from a well near ‘Chhauni Matha’ to prepare the ‘pana,’ which includes ingredients such as milk cream, cheese, sugar, banana, camphor, nutmeg, black pepper, and other spices.
After the Sodasha Upachara Puja, the aromatic drink is offered to the deities on their chariots. This offering also serves as a refreshment for the subsidiary deities who guard the Lords during their journey. Additionally, it is believed that evil spirits, ghostly bodies, and dissatisfied souls consume the ‘pana’ to attain salvation.
