As the Suna Besha ceremony concludes and the Niladree Bije ritual approaches, the stage is set for the Adhara Pana tradition. This captivating ritual is held on the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra, positioned near the Lions’ Gate of the Srimandir. With preparations in full swing, Adhara Pana is poised to take place, offering a sacred drink to the deities on their respective chariots.
With preparations underway for the Adhara Pana, let’s take a closer look at this tradition, exploring its significance and importance in the context of the festivities.
Significance
According to tradition, on the auspicious day of Aashadha Sukla Dwadashi, the Adhara Pana ritual is observed. The term ‘Adhara Pana’ originates from two Odia words: ‘Adhara’, meaning ‘lip’, and ‘Pana’, meaning ‘sweet drink’. During this ritual, a refreshing sweet drink is offered to the deities on their chariots in large, cylindrical earthen pots that reach up to their lips.
History
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 of nine ingredients.
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.
All About Ritual
At the time of the offering of Adhara Pana, Bhittarachha, Taluchha, and Palia Puspalaka servitors hold a new cloth horizontally in front of the deities. Following the Sodasha Upachara Puja, the deities are offered the 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. However, this enchanted drink is not intended for human consumption.
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 reserved for the subsidiary deities accompanying Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra, protecting and guiding them on their journey.
According to legend, malevolent spirits seek to partake in the sacred drink for salvation. The smashing of the pots ensures the drink is exclusively available to the divine entities, symbolizing the destruction of evil forces.
