Bhubaneswar: With the completion of the Suna Besha of the Holy Trinity of Puri Srimandir on Thursday, preparations for the ‘Adhara Pana’ ritual, wherein large earthen pots containing a sweet drink will be offered to Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra on their respective chariots stationed outside the Singha Dwara of the 12th-century shrine, is in full swing.
Because the earthen pots are high enough to reach the goddesses’ lips, the offering is known as ‘Adhara Pana’ – ‘Adhara’ symbolising the lips, and ‘Pana’ means the refreshing sweet drink.
This ritual is performed on the Hindu calendar’s Asadha Sukla Pakhya Dwadashi.
Each earthen pot holds a delightful beverage comprised of milk, cream, cheese, sugar, banana, camphor, nutmeg, black pepper, and other spices. Following the sacrifices to the deities, the pots are smashed to free the souls/spirits who reside in the chariots.
The refreshment is only for the Gods and Goddesses who stayed on the chariots during Rath Yatra to protect Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra, hence the name ‘Rath Rakhyak’. Devotees are prohibited from consuming it.
‘Adhara Pana’ is typically served to the deities during the Madhyahna Dhupa (noon meal), and following that comes the Sodasha Upachara Puja (16 forms of worship).
Rituals are expected to be concluded by 8.00 pm today, according to the schedule. The servitors will perform the Niladri Bije (Lords’ entry into the Srimandir sanctum sanctorum) on July 1 (Saturday).
