Bhubaneswar: Following the Suna Besha ceremony and preceding the Niladree Bije ritual, a fascinating tradition called Adhara Pana takes place. This ritual is held on the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra, which are stationed near the Lions’ Gate of the Srimandir. During Adhara Pana, a sacred drink is offered to the deities on their respective chariots, marking a significant moment in the festivities.
As the Adhara Pana ritual is all set to take place today and preparations are in full swing, Ommcom News delves into the details of this sacred tradition, shedding light on its profound significance and importance in religious celebrations.
Significance
According to sources, on the auspicious day of Aashadha Sukla Dwadashi ( the 12th day of the bright moon phase), a sacred ritual known as Adhara Pana takes place.
Adhara Pana is a term derived from two Odia words ‘Adhara’ and ‘Pana’. Adhara means lip and ‘Pana’, means ‘sweet drink’. This refreshing offering is presented to the deities on their chariots in large cylindrical earthen pots that reach up to their lips.
Going by the history, this ritual was performed for three consecutive days during the Car Festival, on the 10th (Dashami), 11th (Ekadashi), and 12th (Dwadashi) days. Each day, nine earthen pots were filled with the sweet drink, and three pots were offered to each deity on their respective chariots. Currently, the Adhara Pana ritual is observed only once, on the day following the completion of the Suna Besha ritual.
Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra along with Sudarshan are offered the sweet drink on chariots following the exhaustion of their nine-day sojourn. The sweet drink is made up f nine ingredients such as milk, cream, cheese, sugar, banana, camphor, water, black pepper and nutmeg.
Special Offering
A special concoction of milk, cream, cheese, sugar, banana, camphor, water, black pepper and nutmeg is offered to the deities on their chariots. This sweet, flavorful milk drink is carefully poured into earthen pots, which are positioned to almost touch the lips of the deities. The Mahasuara servitors, tasked with the privilege of preparing this sacred offering, meticulously craft the drinks on each chariot, infusing the ritual with reverence and devotion.
At the time of the offering of Adhara Pana Bhittarachha, Taluchha and Palia Puspalaka servitors hold a new cloth (in a horizontal way) in front of the deities.
Following the Sodasha Upachara Puja, the deities are offered a fragrant and sweet drink as part of the Adhara Pana ritual. The earthen pots containing the aromatic concoction are carefully positioned to reach the lips of the deities, symbolizing a sacred offering.
Once the Adhara Pana drink is offered to the deities, the servitors intentionally shatter the earthen pots, allowing the sacred liquid to spill over the chariots. This enchanted drink is not intended for human consumption but is solely reserved for the subsidiary deities who accompany Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra on their journey, protecting and guiding them along the way.
According to legend, malevolent spirits also await this day, seeking to partake in the sacred drink in hopes of attaining salvation. The smashing of the pots ensures that the drink is exclusively available to the divine entities, while also symbolizing the destruction of evil forces.
