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Monday, January 6, 2020

Jagannath Temple, Puri – Festivals

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).

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