Jagannath Temple, Puri – Festivals
There are elaborate daily worship services. There are
many festivals each year attended by millions of people. The most important
festival is the Rath Yatra or the Chariot festival in
June. This spectacular festival includes a procession of three huge chariots
bearing the idols of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra through the Bada
Danda meaning the Grand Avenue of Puri till their final destination
the Gundicha Temple.
Early European observers told tales of devotees being
crushed under the wheels of these chariots, whether by accident or even as a
form of meritorious suicide akin to suttee.
These reports gave rise to the loan word juggernaut suggesting
an immense, unstoppable, threatening entity or process operated by fanatics.
Festivals
celebrated in this temple are listed below;
Pana
Sankranti / Maha Bisuba Sankranti:
Special Nitis are performed in the Temple on this day.
The day marks the beginning of the Oriya New Year.
Chandan
Yatra:
For brief details, please refer below link;
Niladri
Mahodaya (Adhibasa):
The festival s observed on the 8th day of the bright
fort night of Baisakh. One hundred and eight pots of consecrated water are
offered to the Deities and other Nitis are performed.
Jalakrida:
This is celebrated on
a) 11th day of black fort night of Jyestha
b) New moon day of Jyestha
c) 6th day of bright fort night of Jyestha
d) 1st day of bright fort night of Jyestha
Narasingha
Janma:
It is celebrated on the 14th day of the
bright fort night of Baisakh when the image of Narasingha is taken in procession
to Jagannathballav where some Nitis are performed and after that the deity returns
to the Temple.
Sital
Sashti:
The 6th day of bright fort Night of Jyestha.
The images of Dola Govinda and Pancha Pandava Siva are taken to the Temple of
Lakshmi where a ceremony is performed.
Rajendraviseka:
The 10th day of the bright fort night of
Jyestha. Lord Jagannath has his Abhisheka and the proposal of his marriage with
Rukmini is broached.
Rukmini
Harana:
It is celebrated on the 11th day of the
bright fort night of Jyestha.
Champak
Dwadasi:
It is celebrated on 13th day of bright fort
night of Jyestha.
Entering
of Daita Patis:
It is celebrated on 13th day of bright fort
night of Jyestha.
Snana
Yatra:
For brief details, please refer below link;
Fulari
Lagi:
It is celebrated on 5th day of black fort
night of Asadha.
Chaka
Bije:
It is celebrated on 10th black fort night of
Asadha.
Chandan
Lagi:
It is celebrated on 11th black fort night of
Asadha.
Dwadasi
& Raj Prasad Bije:
It is celebrated on the 12th black fort night
of Asadha.
Ghana
Lagi & Sri Payar Mudra:
It is celebrated on the 13th black fort night
of Asadha.
Chaka
Apasar Lagi:
It is celebrated on 13th black fort night of
Asadha.
Anasara:
For brief details, please refer below link;
Nabakalebara:
For brief details, please refer below link;
Netrotsava
/ Nava Yauvana Darshan:
On the concluding day of Anasara i.e. Asadha Amavasya,
the deities decked in their finest robes and ornaments appear before devotees.
The festival of re appearance of Jagannath after Anasara is called Nava Yauvana
or fresh youth. The ceremony of giving finishing touches to the eyes of the
deities is called Netrotsava.
Ratha
Yatra:
For brief details, please refer below link;
Hera
Panchami:
For brief details, please refer below link;
Bahuda
Yatra:
For brief details, please refer below link;
Suna
Vesha:
For brief details, please refer below link;
Hari
Sayan / Sayana Ekadasi:
This is the Sayana utsav (sleeping ceremony) of the
Lord. Sri Hari Sayan festival of Lord Jagannath is observed on the Ashadha
Sukla Ekadashi (June–July). This takes place in the month of Ashadha, after the
completion of ‘Return-Ceremony' of the Lords, from the Gundicha Ghar. On this
occasion, the images of the Vasudeva, Bhubaneswari and Narayana are taken in a
procession to the Chariots. After some temple rites are performed there, these
images are taken to the chamber of slumber for enjoying complete rest.
Garuda
Sayana Dwadasi:
The ceremony is performed on the 12th day of
the bright fortnight of Asadha.
Adhar
Pana on Rath:
It is celebrated on 12th day of bright
fortnight of Asadha.
Niladri
Bije:
Niladri Bije, celebrated in the Hindu calendar month
Asadha (June–July) on Trayodashi (13th day), marks the end of the Ratha
Yatra. The large wooden images of the triad of gods are taken out from the
chariots and then carried to the sanctum sanctorum, swaying rhythmically; a
ritual which is known as pahandi. Lord Jagannath offers Rasgulla to
goddess Laxmi to enter into the temple.
Karkata Sankranti
/ Dakhinayan Yatra:
As the Sun begins to move to the autumnal equinox, a
festival called as Dakhinayan Yatra is observed.
Chitalagi
Amavasya:
On the new moon day in the month of Shravan the Gold and
Stone sets Chitas moved from the deities during Snana Yatra are again put on
them.
Badi
Narasingh Bije:
It is celebrated on 9th day of bright
fortnight of Shravan.
Jhulan
Yatra:
It is celebrated in the Temple from the Shravan Shukla
Dasami up to Pratipada. Madan Mohan, the utsava idol of Jagannath along with Saraswathi
and Lakshmi are placed on a decorated swings in Jhulan Mandap and crowds of
Pilgrims congregate in the Temple to see the Festival. Different Mathas of Puri
also celebrate this festival with great pomp and grandeur.
Gamhapurnima
/ Balabhadra Janma:
On the full moon day in the month of Shravana nitis are
performed to celebrate the birthday of Balabhadra. The deities wear gold and
silken rachis.
Rahurekha
Lagi:
The deities wear ornaments for the forehead on the
5th lunar day of the dark fortnight of Balabhadra.
Krishna
Janma:
It is celebrated in the Temple on the 8th day
of the dark fortnight of Baraga. On this day ceremonies regarding the birth of
Lord Krishna are performed.
Nandotsav:
It is celebrated on 9th day of black
fortnight of Bhadraba.
Bana
Bhoji Vesha:
It is celebrated on 10th day of black
fortnight of Bhadraba.
Kaliya
Dalan Vesha:
It is celebrated on 11th day of black
fortnight of Bhadraba.
Palmbasur
Badha Vesha:
It is celebrated on 12th day of black
fortnight of Bhadraba.
Krishna
Balaram Vesha:
It is celebrated on 13th day of black
fortnight of Bhadraba.
Saptapuri
Amavasya:
The new moon day of Bhadraba. On this day quantities of
sweets known as Saptapuri Tada are offered to the Deities.
Dabagni:
It is celebrated on 12th day of bright
fortnight of Bhadraba.
Nikunja
Lila:
It is celebrated on 12th day of bright
fortnight of Bhadraba.
Ganesh
Chathurthi:
The 4th day of the bright fortnight in the
month of Bhadraba. Panji Puja is done at Saraswathi Temple and various Pujas
are performed in the Temple of Ganesh.
Rekha
Panchami:
It is celebrated on 5th day of the bright
fortnight in the month of Bhadraba.
Krishna
Lila:
It is celebrated on 6th and 7th day
of bright fortnight of Bhadraba.
Radhastami:
It is celebrated on 8th day of the bright
fortnight in the month of Bhadraba is celebrated as the birthday of Sri Radha.
On this day nitis are performed by taking out Shri Sudarshan to the four
Ashrams.
Labani
Khia:
It is celebrated on 10th day of bright
fortnight of Bhadraba.
Paarshwa
Parivartana:
On the Hanosara day of the 11th day of the bright
fortnight of in the month of Bhadraba, the Parsvaparivartan (Turning of Sides)
festival is performed. On this day at evening after the usual rituals, the God
is requested to change the side.
Bamana
Janma:
Various nitis are performed relating to the birth of
Bamana on the 12th day of the bright fortnight of Bhadraba. Sunia is
also marks the beginning of the Oriya New Year.
Anantha
Chaturdasi:
On the 14th day of the bright fortnight in
the month of Bhadraba, the ceremony is performed in Sri Ananta Basudeva Temple.
Indra Govinda
Puja:
The Puja is celebrated on Bhadraba Purnima, the full
moon day in the month of Bhadraba.
Sahasra
Kumbha Abhisheka:
Aswina Krushna Ashtami that is the 8th day of
the dark fortnight of Aswina. Abhisheka of Goddess Durga is done at Majana
Mandapa and from this day Shola Puja is performed in the Temple of Bimala and
other Goddesses.
Dusshera:
On the 10th day of the bright fortnight in
the month of Aswina. Ayudha Puja and Vijaya Dasami celebrations are performed.
Dwitiya
Osha:
It is performed by Goddess Lakshmi in her Temple.
Karthika
Brata:
This is also called as the starting of Radha Damodar
Besha and starts from the beginning of 11th day of bright fortnight
of Aswina.
Kumar
Purnima:
On the full moon day in the month of Aswina the Sevakas
representing Sri Jagannath and Sri Lakshmi play dice.
Hari
Uthapana Ekadasi:
This festival takes place on the 11th day of the bright fortnight
in the month of Kartika. The gods are awakened from the divine slumber. The
festival is also called Probadhana Yatra or rising ceremony.
Garuda
Uthapana Dwadasi:
This is performed on the 12th day of the
bright fortnight of full moon of Kartika.
Panchak
Vesha:
It is celebrated beginning of 11th day of
bright fortnight to Full Moon of Kartika.
Navanna:
Various extra Bhogas are offered on this occasion. There
is no fixed day for this festival, but it is fixed by the Temple Astrologer
according to the stars of Sri Jagannath.
Prathamastami:
The 8th day of the dark fortnight in the
month of Margashira when Bandapana is done.
Deepavali:
Celebrated for three days from Margashira Krishna
Chaturdashi to Shukla Pratipada, Jagannath as incarnation of Sri Ram offers
pinda to king Dasarath. On the second day as Krishna he offers Pinda to his
original parents Basudev and Devaki and on the third day he offered Pinda to
his foster parents Nanda and Jashoda
Odhana
Shashti:
Odhana Shashti takes place in the 6th day of the bright
fortnight in the month of Margashirsha. This is also called as Pravarana Shashti.
From this day, Ghodalagi begins, i.e. the Deities are dressed in winter
garments
Pandu
Purnima:
It is celebrated on full moon day of Margashira.
Dhanu
Sankranti:
Pahali Bhoga begins from the day on Dhanu Sankranti to
Makara Sankranti.
Bakul
Amabasya:
On Pausa Amabasya, special Bhogas including Gaintha are
offered to the Deities.
Pusyabhisheka:
Nitis such as Adhibasa are performed on the full moon
day in the month of Pausa. Pots filled with perfumed water are taken from Bhoga
Mandap to the Ratna Vedi. This Abhisheka is performed for the representatives
deities like Rama, Sita and Lakshman for which is also known as Ramabhiseka.
Nabanki:
It is celebrated on the previous day of Makar Sankranti.
Makar
Sankranti:
This is also called as Uttarayani Yatra and is performed
on the Makar Sankranti day when the Sun moves towards Vernal Equinox.
Padma
Vesha:
It is celebrated on Tuesday or Saturday between new moon
of Magha to Basanta Panchami.
Basanta
Panchami:
Panji Puja is done in the Saraswathi Temple and there is
some modification in Ghodalagi that is in the winter garments worn by the
Deities.
Tila
Saptami:
It is celebrated on the 7th day of bright
fortnight of Magha.
Bhouma
Ekadasi:
It is celebrated on the 11th day of bright
fortnight of Magha.
Magha
Purnima:
Gajauddharana Vesha takes place on this day.
Shiva
Ratri:
Hari Hara Bheta takes place at Sri Lokanath Temple.
Benta /
Sikar:
This festival is performed on the 1st, 4th,
8th, and 12th day of the bright fortnight to Phalguna. On
these days the image of Dola Govinda is taken to Jagannathballav Matha, which
is known as the pleasure garden of Jagannath, and coconuts are struck with
arrows by some sevakas symbolizing Mrugaya.
Dola
Yatra:
It is performed during the period from Phalguna Dasami,
the 10th day of the bright Phalguna to the Purnima or Full Moon day. The
representative deities Dologobinda, Bhoodevi and Sreedevi are taken in a
procession to Dolabedi located outside the outer compound wall of the main
Temple and special rites are performed. This is also known as Vasant Utsav. Fagu
or Red powder is sprinkled on the Deities.
Agni
Utsava:
It is celebrated on the 14th of bright
fortnight of Phalguna.
Holi:
It is celebrated on 1st black fortnight of
Chaitra.
Chaitra
Gunducha:
A festival is observed on the 6th day of the
bright fortnight of Chaitra in the Sun Temple inside the Temple Premise.
Ashokastami:
It is celebrated on the 8th day of the bright
fortnight of Chaitra. Sri Bhandar Lokanath is taken in a procession to the
Temple of Isanesvara Mahadeva where certain ceremonies are performed. The Deity
turns to the Temple after attending to some Nitis at Jagannathballava.
Rama
Navami / Sahi Yatra:
The Sahi Yatra, considered the world's biggest open-air
theatre, is an annual event lasting 11 days; a traditional cultural theatre
festival or folk drama which begins on Ram
Navami, celebration of the birth of Sri Rama on the 9th day of the
bright Fortnight of Chaitra and ends on Rama avishke (anointing).
The festival includes plays depicting various scenes from the Ramayana.
The residents of various localities, or Sahis, are entrusted the task of
performing the drama at the street corners.
Yagnya
Rakshya:
It is celebrated on the 10th of bright fortnight of
Chaitra.
Sita
Vivah:
It is celebrated on 11th day of the bright fortnight of
Chaitra.
Banabasa:
It is celebrated on the 12th day of bright
fortnight of Chaitra.
Damanaka
Chori / Damanak Lagi:
The festival is celebrated on the 13th day and 14th day
of the bright fortnight of Chaitra. The Deities Rama and Krishna are taken in a
procession to Jagannath Vallabha Matha from where a scented plant called Dayana
is stealthily brought and on the next day offered to the Deities.
Lanka
Podi:
It is celebrated on full moon day of Chaitra.
Setu
Badha:
It is celebrated on 1st day of black
fortnight of Baisakha.
Ravana
Badha:
It is celebrated on 2nd day of black
fortnight of Baisakha.
Rama
Abhisheka:
It does not occur on a particular day. It is calculated
per the position of the stars.
Shodasa Dinatmaka:
The annual Shodasa dinatmaka or 16 day puja
beginning 8 days prior to Mahalaya of Ashwin month
for goddess Vimala and ending on Vijaya Dashami,
is of great importance. As per tradition, the i utsava Murti of Lord Madan
Mohan and Vimala is taken on a tour of the temple premises. The
tour within the temple is observed for the first eight days. For the next eight
days, the idols are taken outside the temple on a palanquin to the nearby
Narayani temple situated in the Dolamandapa lane. After their worship, they are
brought back to the temple.
Samudra
Arati:
Samudra Arati is a
daily tradition started by the present Shankaracharya 9 years ago. The daily
practice includes prayer and fire offering to the sea at Swargadwar in Puri by
disciples of the Govardhan Matha. On Paush
Purnima of every year the Shankaracharya himself comes out to offer prayers to
the sea.
Panchaka:
The last
five days of the month of Kartika are
traditionally known as the Bhishma Panchaka or the Vaka Panchaka. According
to Oriya Ramayana written by Balarama Das it is said that
if one is capable, one should observe fasting from
certain foodstuffs on the Bhishma Panchaka for the pleasure of the Vishnu. The
Padma Purana say that one pleases Vishnu and
makes spiritual advancement. Devotees may offer Lotus flower, Bilwa leaves,
Sandalwood paste, Jaati flowers and Malati flowers to Lord Vishnu.
During Panchaka,
lots of people wait for different Beshas of deities. Different Alankara like Dalakia Vesha,
Adakia Vesha, Lakshmi Narasingha Vesha, Trivikrama Vesha and finally on the day
of Kartik Purnima Lord is decorated in Rajarajeswara Vesha which
draws people more than one lakh. More amount prasad are made in temple to cope
with the demand from Havishya vratis (widow women staying for monthlong Kartika
Vrata in Puri).
No comments:
Post a Comment