Bhubaneswar: Today marks the fifth day of the ‘Anasara’ period, a time when the sibling deities Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra are believed to be recuperating from fever and weakness. As part of the ancient rituals, a special medicinal oil known as ‘Phuluri Tela’ will be applied to their bodies to aid in their recovery.
The Phuluri Tela is a unique oil prepared by the Bada Odia Mutt, which has been supplying this special oil for the deities’ recuperation for years. The oil is believed to have healing properties and is applied to the deities during the Anasara period to facilitate their early recovery.
Interestingly, the Phuluri Tela is prepared on Hera Panchami day, but is used only the following year. The ingredients are mixed and stored in an earthen pot, which is then sealed with clay and buried under the soil to brew for nearly a year.
This ritual of applying Phuluri Tela is said to be part of a secret tradition that dates back over 1000 years. Along with Phuluri Tela, medicinal lotions are also being applied to the deities under the Osa Lagi ritual to aid in their recovery.
Atibadi Jagannath Das, a renowned inmate of Bada Odia Mutt and author of Odia Bhagabata, used to supply Phuluri Tela to the temple.
According to legend, he was granted the privilege of supplying the oil by Gajapati Purusottam Deb, highlighting the revered poet’s connection to the sacred tradition.
