Daily worship schedule The regular worship schedule for Jagannatha temple is as follows. The timings are only indicative, because the rituals can often be late, due to many planned and unplanned factors. For those who are allowed into the temple, the general Darshana time is during Sahana Mela, generally between 9 to 10 am. There is also a special Darshana opportunity on payment of a ticket, called Parimanika Darshana, at Mangala Arati, Abakasha (Snana), Sandhya Arati and Chandana Lagi. 5.00 am Dvara phita (opening of doors) and Bhitara Shodha This ritual must be completed at or before 5.00 am. From the Ekadasi after Dashara on Asvina dasami to Kartika purnima, and from Dhanu Sankranti to Makara Sankranti in the month of Pausa, about from 14 December to 14 January, the doors open at 2 or 3 am, while it is still dark. The following Sevayats are employed for the following rituals: One temple attendant on behalf of the King, Pratihari, Bhittarcha Mohapatra, Muduli, Akhanda Mekapa, Palia Mekapa, Khataseja Mekapa, Palia Suarabadu, Khuntia, Garabadu, Balitadeba Loka, Pushpalaka. For the ritual the following materials are required: camphor, pithu (a dough made with rice flour), lamp and ghi, a stand for the lamp, a pot filled with water (panijhari), oil and a torch. The rice paste is kept in a silver bowl and used during the Arati. The cotton used for the lamp wicks is provided by the wife of the Narayana Mekapa of Kundeibenta Sahi, who gets a monthly compensation from the king’s superintendent and a daily share of the mahaprasada. A quantity of thirteen liters of ghi is supplied daily to the Palia Mekapa by the superintendent for the Aratis, but the Sevayats usually get a share of it and take it home. The oil for the lamps is supplied to the Akhanda Mekapa. The materials for lighting the torch are supplied by Emar Math, Jagannatha Vallabha Math, Oriya Matha and Mangu Math. The previous night, the inner precincts of the temple are cleaned and the Kalahata Dvara (Chamu Duara) and the Jaya Vijaya Dvara are locked and the lock is covered with clay. The gates of the four directions; Simha Dvara in the East, Asva Dvara in the South, Hasti Dvara in the North and Vyaghra Dvara in the west are thoroughly sealed and inspected. Four guards are appointed at each gate. Early in the morning, the smaller gates also known as Chora Dvara (secret door) which are a part of the main gates of the four directions are opened for the Sevayats only. The Pratihari, Bhittarcha Mohapatra, Muduli, Akhanda Mekapa and Palia Mekaa arrive in the morning to open the doors. They start from the South Gate. Once the Bhittarcha Mohapatra enters the inner boundary of the temple, the main doors are opened. These five Sevayats arrive at the Jaya Vijaya Dvara and inspect the lock. Then the Muduli opens the lock after receiving the key from the Talichu Mohapatra. Everyone now enters the Jaya Vijaya Dvara and close it from inside. Then they inspect the lock of the Kalahata Dwara and then the Pratihari calls on “Manima”and the Kalahata Dvara (Chamu Dwara) is opened. The Akhanda and Palia Mekap light 9 lamps with oil. Then the Jaya Vijaya Dvara is slightly opened from inside. The Khata Seja Mekapa, Palia Suara Badu, Garabadu and Khuntia enter inside. The Khata Seja Mekapa removes the Ratna palanka (“jewel bed”) and carries it into the storeroom. The Jaya Vijaya Dvara and the inner southern gate are finally opened completely. The night offering (coconut, scented water and tambula) is also removed, then the Deity room is cleaned. Sometimes on festival days the rituals schedule carries on into the night and the Deities are not put to rest. In this case, there is no need to perform the Dvara pitha ritual in the morning. After the awakening of the Deities and before the Arati, the Pahali bhoga is offered (mainly milk and milk sweets) with the assistance of the Palia Suarabadu. The Bhitarcha Mohapatra stands before Jagannatha and one Palia Pushpalakaas stands before Balabhadra and Subhadra each. After washing their hands with the water given by the Garabadu, these three Sevayats perform the Mangala Arati with twenty-one wicks camphor lamps and then with Pithu Bati (the lamp made with rice dough and cotton wicks). After the Arati is completed, the rice dough lamp and camphor residues are distributed as prasadam. Only the Bhitarcha Mohapatra is supposed to do the Arati of Jagannath. If he is absent due to unavoidable circumstances, then the Talichu Mohapatra can do the Arati. 5.30 - 6.00 am Mailama (undressing) The Sevakas required for this ritual are: 3 Pushpalakas, Khuntia, Changada Mekapa, Dhoba (washerman) The Bhitarcha Mohapatra leaves after Mangala Arati. The three Pushpalakas, the Kunthia, the Changuda Mekapa and the Dhoba enter the Deity room. The Bhitaracha Mahapatra is replaced by another Pushpalaka as he leaves for his other duties. The Pushpalakas climb onto the Ratna Simhasana and touch the body of the Deities after paying obeisances to them. Then they remove the night dress of the Deities (bada sringara) and the Changada Mekapa gives the clothes to the Dhoba Sevaka (who is actually a brahmana), who will wash the clothes at a tank near Bata Ganesha. The old flower decorations are also removed and divided. After sending the adhara (the neck garland) of Balabhadra, Jagannatha and Subhadra respectively to the shrines to Vimala, Lakshmi and Bhubanesvari, and the nakha tulasi, the nakha chana and the guna (different types of nose ornaments), some of the adhara, the small padaka decorating the head of Jagannatha go to the king’s palace carried by the Mudirasta and are delivered to the queen. The rest is distributed to the Khuntias and to the Pushpalakas who will sell them to devotees. While the night dress is removed, one Kunthia stands with a khandua pata (a silk sari) to hide the bodies of the Deities. The Changuda Mekapa stands with a basket containing the fresh clothes taken from the store room, puts the bathing dress on the Deities – a thin white cotton dress constituted by two pieces. The clothes carried in from the store room are four tadapas, two uttariyas and one khandua pata. The Pushpalakas dress the Deities with the bathing towels, and the bathing ritual starts. 6.00 Mangala arati The Bhitaracha Mahapatra and two Pushpalakas stand below the Ratna vedi and offer a lamp of twentyone ghi wicks and then a ghi and camphor lamp contained in a lump of dough (pistaka arati). The daily amount of camphor (5 grams) to be used for this ritual is kept in the care of the Bandhara Mekapa. Generally the Mangala arati is attended by about 200 devotees and visitors, but on special occasions the number of attendance is much higher. During Mangala arati devotees sing the Bhajan song “Jay Jagadisha Hare”, to the accompaniment of musical instruments such as mridanga (small drum), pakhaja (big drum), jhanja (big brass cymbals), and jhumuka (a type of rattle). During the month of January, when Lakshmi Devi goes to Her father’s house (the ocean) for visiting Her family, the cooking is entrusted to Vimala Devi. In this period there is an additional food offering at dawn, called Pahili Bhoga, which is generally not distributed to devotees. It consists of “baby food”, like very soft kichedi and small balls of biri dal. 6.00 – 6.30 am Abakasha (bathing) Usually the ritual bathing ceremony for the Deities is called snana, but in Puri it is called Abakasha. The Sevakas required for this ritual are: Pushpalaka, Suarabadu, Pani Apata, Khatuli Sevaka, Darpania, Mukha pakhala pratihari, Mukha pakhala pushpalaka, Amala ghatuari, Bhandara Mekap, Mahabhoi, Jyotisha Khuri nayaka. The Deity room (pokharia) is cleaned by the Suar Badu with water provided by the Paniapata; then the Suar Badu places three wooden planks before the three main Deities and the Khatuli Sevaka places three khatulis (wooden thrones) for the Deities. The Mukhapahkala Pratihari arranges three plates with the items required for the Deities’ bath: flowers and tulasi, water, amla, sandalwood paste, camphor, panchamrita, along with three brushes, tongue scrapers and twigs that are used as toothbrushes (muturi dantakathi). The Amala Ghatuari is in charge of the amla, while the camphor is entrusted to the Bhandara Mekapa, the sandalwood by the Mukhapakhala Pushpalaka. The Darpania places the three mirrors near the plates; three pots of water are brought in along with a separate pot of water mixed with camphor. The curd (yogurt) provided by the Mahabhoi is added to the bathing water. Then the Mukhapakhala Pratihari calls the three Pushpalakas to sit for the Puja. These symbolically brush the Deities’ teeth and scrape Their tongues. Then the water mixed with camphor, curd, amla and chandana is poured over the mirrors reflecting the form of the Deities. This is known as Bimba Snana. The Deities themselves are actually bathed only once a year during the Snana yatra. The discarded bath water is distributed as prasadam. The Gara Badu keeps the silver water pot near the three sitting pedestals and the Darpania holds the mirrors near them. During the bathing and dressing ritual the temple astrologer, called Jyotisha Khuri Nayaka, reads the almanac and the forecast for the day. When necessary, the worship of the nakshatras (constellations) is conducted after Madhyana Dhupa, with the cooperation of the Chadau Karana. After the bathing of the Deities is completed, the Garuda Sevaka (Palia Chunara) gets the palia churana water (the water from the Deities’ bath) and gives the ritual bath to Garuda. The bathing ritual is not precisely private. Generally people are not allowed inside the inner room, but it is possible to get inside by paying a certain amount of money. 6.45 – 7.00 am Mailama The following Sevayats are required for this ritual: Pushpalaka, Changada Mekapa, Akhanda Mekapa, Dhoba, Suarabadu The Changada Mekap brings the fresh clothes (patta vastra or tusser silk cloth) and ornaments for the day and the Pushpalakas dress Bada Thakura, Subhadra, Jagannath, Sudarshan, Madhava, Sridevi and Bhudevi. The Akhanda Mekapa lights the Akhanda Dipa after Abakasha. This Akhanda Dipa is kept burning all day until the deities retire to bed. After the ritual is over, the Suara Badu cleans the area. 7.00 –8.00 am Sahana Mela or Sadharana Darshana After completing the dressing ritual, the Sevakas get ready for the public Darshana. The Sevakas needed are: Pushpalaka, Khuntia, Mekapa, Tadau Pattnaik, Gochikara, Partihari, Suara Badu, Temple police officer The three Pushpalakas remain sitting on the Ratna Simhasana with the Deities, while three Kunthias and three Mekapas stand below the Simhasana. The king’s superintendent or Pratihari and three police officers supervise the Hundi or Pindika (where donations are collected) and the Tadau Pattanayaka and the Gochhikara are also present to assist. The Dvara Ghara Pratihari announces the Sahana mela, the doors are opened and the devotees are freely allowed in the pokharia. The time limit for the Sahana Mela depends on the number of devotees present. Three brass pots are kept below the Deities; the pilgrims put their gold or money offerings into the pots or on the Simhasana: this offering is called pindia. This money is usually taken by the Sevakas. The Sahana mela is supposed to be held twice a day, except for the month of Kartika and important festival days when the Sahana mela is held only after the Sandhya puja. During December-January from Dhanu Sankratni till Makar Sankranti, Sahana Mela takes place after Sakala Dhupa. If, by mistake, anyone (including the Temple Sevakas other than the Palia Pushpalakas and the Puja Panda) touches the Deities or if spit, vomit, blood, urine or stool is found anywhere inside the temple compound, then the Puja Pandas perform the Mahasnana to the Deities with Panchamrita (a mixture of milk, yogurt, jaggery, ghi or butter and honey), and the temple room is thoroughly washed up to the Jaya Vijaya Dvara. If spit, vomit, blood, urine or stool etc is found inside the Pokaria (Garbha Griha) a more complex and elaborate ritual of Mahasnana is performed, known as Bada Mahasnana, where the dresses of the Deities are changed. Compensation will be exacted from the culprit (or if the culprit is not found, the temple management will pay the fine). For this reason, small children are usually not allowed near the Deities. 8.00 am Mailama and Vesha lagi After the Sahana Mela, or the “festival of reunion” of the Lord with His devotees, the Deities’ dress is changed again by the Pasupalakas in the ceremony called Vesa lagi. The change of dress is performed at least five times a day, and is accompanied by the offering of sandalwood paste and the ritual invocation (“Manima! Manima!”). During this ritual, devotees can watch from a distance in a sort of royal “interview” (bhitara katha). The outfit will be according to the season and day and all outfits are accompanied by a variety of ornaments. For references to Vesas (outfits) please see the chapter describing them in detail. 8.30 Rosha Homa After the Deities have been bathed, and while They are being dressed, the temple servants and priests proceed to perform the household duties of Jagannatha, or the daily worship routine in the name of Jagannatha, called Rosha Homa, Surya Puja and Dvarapala Puja. These are private rituals where visitors are not usually allowed to assist. The Sevakas needed for this ritual are: Dhopakhalia, Deula Purohita or Palia Pujapanda, Nikapa This ritual takes place daily in the kitchen near the clay stoves. Before the puja starts, the Dhopakhalia removes the ashes of the previous day’s cooking and cleans the kitchen with water. Generally the Deula Purohita does the Rosha Homa, but the Puja Panda can also do it. This is a fire sacrifice that is done to start the daily cooking for the deities. The priest offers twelve ahutis in the homa, symbolizing the twelve samskaras in Krishna’s life (including jata karma, upanayana and vivaha). When the homa is completed, the cooks pray Lakshmi Devi and Ganesha for a better taste of the food and the removal of obstacles to service. 8.45 Surya Puja The Sevakas required for this ritual are: Nikapa, the same Deula Purohita or Puja Panda who conducted the Rosha Homa, Palia Patri The Palia Patri arranges the materials for the puja like flowers, Chandan, Bell, etc. The Deula Purohita or the Puja Panda performs the Surya Puja in the Surya Temple near the Mukti mandapa. 9.00 Dvarapala Puja After Surya Puja, the same Deula Purohita or Puja Panda does the Dvarapala puja for Jaya Vijaya at the Jaya Vijaya Dwara. The Palia Patri arranges the Puja articles. During this Puja, no one is allowed to at the Jaya Vijaya Dvara. If, by mistake, someone comes to the Jaya Vijaya Dvara, then Mahasnana is done and the puja is performed afresh. 9.00 am Gopala vallabha bhoga The Sevakas required for this ritual are: Sudu Suara, Vallabha Jogania, Chaka Paika, Suara Badu, Patri Badu, Gara Badu, Palia Maha Suara, Pradhana Sevaka, three Puja Pandas This bhoga offering takes place in the Anasara pindi. The Sudha Suar prepares the panchamrita, collects puja materials, and places the purna kumbha; the Suara Badu cleans the Deity room (pokharia) with water, the Patri Badu dries the floor and prepares the puja materials for the Puja Panda, the Gara Badu brings the water for the puja, the Vallabha Joganya brings the food to be offered (arranged on the previous night). The Palia Maha Suara places the plates with the offering and then the Pradhan Sevaka invites the three Puja Pandas to conduct the rituals. This is done after the Pratihari ties a cloth called tera to cover the rituals from public view. Then the Puja Pandas do the offerings with pancha upachara. The puja is executed in the anabasara pindi and includes five upacharas. The food offered consists in 44 oli pots of puffed rice (paga khai), 228 oli pots of small coconut shreds (sana naria patti), 29 oli pots of big coconut shreds (bada naria patti), 3 sara plates of ripe bananas, 3 sara plates of coconut pieces (pati khurdi naria), 400 gr of dahi (yogurt), 12 oli pots of coconut sweets (kora) and 12 oli pots of balls of solidified milk (khua laddu) are offered. Once the offering included khuamanda, pancakes and rabri, but the system was stopped in 1988; now they are offered in Jagamohana after Vallabha. On Dola Purnima and Snana Purnima, the Gopalavallabha Bhoga takes place along with the Pahili Bhoga, while on Dola Purnima and Snana Purnima, the Gopalavallabha bhoga is offered during Sakala Dhupa. During Anavasara (the 15 days between Snana yatra and Ratha yatra) the Vallabha bhoga is skipped. After the Gopala vallabha bhoga is completed, the Garbha griha is cleaned again, then the Lord sits to receive His devotees before a curtain called tera is drawn over the sandalwood rail entrance for the Sakala Dhupa Bhoga offering. 10.00 am Sakala dhupa, Raja Bhoga or Sankuri Bhoga The name of this morning (sakala) offering is due to the fact that previously its expenditures were paid by the Raja (King). The Sevakas required are: Suara Badu, Dhukudi dvara Pratihari, Pani Apata, Pradhan Sevaka, Puja Panda, Pratihari, Palia Maha Suara, Patri Badu, Rosha Paika, Palia Patri, Gara Badu, Changada Mekapa, Patri Badu, Muduli, Chandana Ghatuari, Parikhya Badu, Palia Mekapa, Palia Khuntia, Raja Guru, Palia Mahari (Dancer/singer), Palia Madeli (Percussionist), Jhanjapita Loka, who plays the Jhanja (big brass cymbals), Bojhia, Sudusuara, Purana Panda, Gochikara, Dakshina Dvara Pratihari, Dvari Nayaka, Ghantua, Bachanti. Three new Puja Pandas arrive at the temple and perform the largest food offering in the day, sometimes repeated two or three times; after each offering the Deities’ dresses are changed and the Arati is offered. The Sakala Dhupa (“morning Arati”) is offered in the Deity room (pokharia) and includes worship with 16 upacharas. The Suara Badu cleans the entire Pokharia with water brought by the Pani Apata, then the Amania again washes the area thrice. In the meantime the Rosapaik watches the kitchen. The Pani Apata washes the utensils and hands them to the Suara Badu, who in turn washes the utensils again and places them before the four main Deities. The Pratihari verifies the tera; the same tera that was tied during Gopala vallabha offering is kept tied till the Sakala Dhupa. The Pradhana Sevaka calls the Puja Panda, who begins drawing mandalas with coloured powders (muruja) before the four deities starting from Bada Thakura. Then the Pratihari goes to the kitchen along with the Pradhana Sevaka to call the Palia Mahasuara to bring the food offering. During this time, the Dakshina Dvara Pratihari guards the doors. The food offering, called cheka or naivedya, is brought in earthen pots and placed before the Deities. It usually consists of 20 preparations, including plain rice, kanika (rice cooked with sweet spices and sugar) and kichadi, dalma, kadali bhaja (fried banana chips), sabjis, sag, and different types of pitha (pancakes), such as pitha phuli, matha puli, kanti, enduri , kakatua. Other sweets offered at this time as hansakeli (one type of laddu made with urad dal), jhili (made from urad dal, chickpea flour and wheat flour), bundia (sweet pearls made from chickpea flour); also offered is a drink called ada pachedi (ginger tonic). The Panthi Badu transfers the food offering from the pots onto the plates. The Pradhani Sevaka invites the Puja Pandas to do the offering which is done with sodasha upachara. The Pratiharis and Gochikaras guard the doors while the offering is done. The Ghantuas and Bajantri sound drums and perform kirtana, while the Pratihari watches at the Jaya Vijaya gate. Once the Maharis (Devadasis) used to dance near the Garuda stambha during this puja. If a pot breaks while the offering is presented, the Bhoga is called sankhuri (spoiled, or leftover) and cannot be offered or distributed as prasada. When the Puja Pandas offer the food to the Deities, only the Maha Suara, Patri Badu, Suara Badu and Gara Badu can remain inside the Pokharia. During this, the Raja Guru stands at the Jagamohana in front of Garuda, holding a gold cane given to him by the Pradhana Sevaka. The Palia Mahari (Bahara Gayani) used to dance there and the Madeli played the Mardala, but this ritual has been stopped long since. The Purana Panda recites the Bhagavad Gita or Bhagavata Purana. After the completion of the Bhoga offering the Patri Badu calls for the Hadapa nayaka from inside and then the Pratihari opens the door. The dancing and singing stops once the inner doors are opened. The Vidia Jogania brings the bidia tambula (betel refreshment) to be offered. The Hadapa Nayaka hands over the bidia to the Puja Pandas in a silver bowl, who in turn offer the same to the Deities. After the food offering the Pushpalakas change the Deities’ dress, then Arati is performed. The Panti Badu provides materials for puja, the Changada Mekapa arranges the materials for the puja, the Chandana Ghatuari brings the sandalwood paste, the Palia Mekapa organizes the puja. The Pradhani calls the Puja Panda for puja, the Hadapa Nayaka provides vidya (instructions) or corrects the possible mistakes during the procedure. The Parikhya Badu places three mirrors in front of the three Deities. The Khuntia brings in three tulasi garlands and the Mekapa brings in three golden pendants. The Changada Mekapa places the clothes. The Suara Badu brings the fire from the temple kitchen and the Patri arranges dhupa and dipa using this fire. After the dipa offering the inner door is closed. The Puja Panda leaves after the Aarati. Then the Bojhia carry the Bhoga from the Pokharia to outside. 11.00 am Mailama and Bhoga Mandapa offering After the Sakala Dhupa there is another change of dress, then another food offering is presented. The Sevakas needed for Mailama and Bhoga mandapa are: Palia Pushpalaka, Changada Mekapa, Palia Mekapa, Bhogamandapa Pratihari, Suara Badu, Bhogamandapa Dvara Pratihari, Suara, Maha Suara, Palia Khuntia, Patri Badu, Gara Badu, Charcha Bala, Puja Panda. The Bhoga Mandapa or Chatra Bhoga is a large offering of food, consisting mainly in plain rice, ghi rice, lemon rice, kichedi, dali and dalma, eggplant sabji, jahni sabji, patola sabji, besara, mahura, sag and pancakes of various types, khotta, kanika, khiri and khaja. In ancient days 435 different items were offered at this time, but now only about 20 or 25 items are offered. Generally the Chatra Bhoga in the Bhoga Mandapa is performed only after the Sakala Dhupa, but sometimes it may be also offered a second time in the afternoon or even a third time during the evening to meet the demand of Mahaprasadam, as the offered food is both for internal distribution among the Sevakas and for selling to the public. This food offering is presented at the Bhoga mandapa with 16 upacharas, while other Sevakas (Ghantua, Bajantri, Purana Panda, Jhanja Pitaman) play musical instruments and recite sastra. During Sakala dhupa, the Charcha bala calls the three Palia Pushpalaks, Changada Mekapa, Palia Mekapa and Bhogamandapa Pratihari to stay inside the temple and continue the rituals after the Sakala Dhupa. After the area is cleaned, the Palia Khuntia calls for the Pushpalaka to do the Mailama. The three Pushpalakas climb on the Ratna Simhasana and do the Veshas for the Deities. The Changada Mekapa brings in the clothes and the Suara Badu arranges the pedestal on which the Pushpalakas stand and change the head scarf of the Deities. The Bhoga Mandapa Ghara had been cleaned by the Suara Badu the previous night and by the Pratihari at the beginning of the day; now again the Suarabadu pours water and the Maha Suara brings the Bhoga inside. The Pushpalakas leave after dressing the Deities and the Charcha Bala calls the Patri to arrange the puja articles in the Bhoga Mandapa Ghara. After the necessary arrangements, the Puja Panda offers the Bhoga with pancha upachara. The other door of the Bhoga Mandapa Ghara is closed and the Deities enjoy the food placed in the Bhoga Mandapa Ghara. After the offering the Bojhias carry the Bhoga out of the room. On specific days, the Bhoga Mandapa offering is done after Madhyana Dhupa instead of the Sakala Dhupa. This is not a regular ritual. It is done to facilitate the Mathas and other devotees to order special Bhoga and offer it to the deities. There is no specific preparation for this ritual, it all depends on the dish ordered. . 12.30 – 1.00 pm Madhyama dhupa The noon meal is offered in the Pokharia near the Ratna vedi, with 16 upacharas and it is supposed to last for one hour. It is also called Dinardha Dhupa (midday meal). The Bhoga is the largest meal, with all kinds of rice, curries, sag, soups, cakes, and different sweets. The minimum number of items is 56, but there is no maximum limit to the number. The number of Sevakas is similar to what is required for the other food offerings, while the puja articles include water, scented water, parakha, muruja gunda, asana, pidha, 16 upachara, tulasi leaves, cloth, the three brass mirrors, vidya and bhoga. After the Bhoga Mandapa is over, the Pratihari ties the tera again and the Suara Badu pours water to wash the floor at the place where the previous offering had taken place. The Paniapata cleans up all the puja articles and hands it over to the Suara Badu. The Suara Badu washes the articles once again and arranges the articles in front of the four Deities. The rituals are similar to the Sakala Dhupa. The Ghantua plays the ghanta and the Purana Panda recites slokas from the Puranas. After the Bhoga is offered and the tera is opened, Arati is peformed. After the Madhyana Dhupa, the Bahara Deuli Bhoga is offered to the utsava vigrahas in the Dakshina Ghara. 1.00 pm Mailama and Madhyana Pahuda After the meal the Deities’ clothes are changed again, and three palanquins are brought before Them. There is an offering of green coconut, betel and scented water, a camphor lamp arati is performed, and then the Deities are put to rest. The Sevakas needed are: Suara Badu, Palia Khuntia, Pushpalaka, Changada Mekapa, Khataseja Mekapa, Palia Pratihari, Badadvara Pratihari, Muduli. After the Madhyana Dhupa, the Suara Badu cleans the entire Pokharia. Then the Palia Khuntia calls for the Pushpalakas to do the Mailama. The Changada Mekapa arranges the Khandua (silk sari), Siri Kapada (scarf), and the flower garlands, and the Pushpalakas offer them to the Deities. Then the Khata Seja Mekapa arranges four beds. The Pushpalakas climb down the Ratna Simhasana, Arati is done, the Jaya Vijaya Dvara is closed and the Akhanda Mekapa extinguishes the lamps. The Bada dvra Pratihari calls out the Lords as “Manima” and invites Them to sleep to their respective beds and finally closes the Kalahata Dvara. The Muduli locks the doors and the inner southern gate is closed. 2.30 pm Pahuda During the months of Kartika and Pausa, the Deities go to sleep after lunch and the doors are closed (pahuda). The Kalahata, Jaya Vijaya and Beherana gates are locked and the Deities take rest. The ritual is supposed to be completed before 1.30 pm, but this rarely happens. Sometimes the afternoon rest is totally cancelled, and the ritual schedule continues without interruption. 5.00 pm Pahuda pitha After the noon rest, the Bhitaracha Mahapatra again examines the seals and locks like in the morning ritual, and the doors are opened again. 6.00 pm Sandhya arati The ritual is done by the following Sevakas: Bhitarcha Mohapatra, Palia Mekapa, Akhanda Mekapa, Muduli, Khataseja Mekapa, Palia Pushpalaka, Garabadu, Talichu Mohapatra, Khuntia. The Muduli unlocks the Kalahata Dvara upon orders from the Bhitarcha Mohapatra. During this time the Pratihari shouts “Manima, please wake up from your Ratna Palanka and climb onto the Ratna Simhasana”. After the Khataseja Mekapa brings the beds out, the Kalahata Dvara is completely opened and the Suara Badu lights 21 lamps. The Pushpalakas, the Talichu Mohapatra and the Gara Badu stand below the Ratna Simhasana: the Palia Pushpalakas stand before Bada Thakura and Subhadra whereas the Talichu Mohapatra stand before Jagannatha and then all of them offer camphor lamps and 21 ghee wick lamps) from the Jaya Vijaya gate. The rituals are the same as Mangala Arati. After the Arati, the Pushpalakas climb on the Ratna Simhasana and do the Mailama, changing the Deities’ dresses. On some occasions when there is no time for Madhyana Pahuda, Mailama is done immediately after Madhyana Dhupa and then Sandhya Dhupa takes place. On Ekadasis, the clothes of the Deities are changed again after the Arati. 7.00 – 8.00 pm Sandhya bhoga and sandhya dhupa This offering of food is presented at the Ratnavedi pokharia and includes worship with 16 upacharas. The food offering consists of: 19 oli pots of chupuda pakhala, 23 oli of pani pakhala, 2 oli of sana oli pakhala, 5 oli of sakara, 3 soft puli, 22 matha puli, 7 amalu, 21 bada amalu, 83 sana amalu (pancakes etc.) In this offering the famous chadhei neda and kadamba pakhala are offered: the original recipe was a mixture of all the leftovers from the daily cooking. Plain rice is not offered. After Bhoga camphor Arati is offered, with 21wick lamp and rice paste, then 2 more lamps (jaya mangala arati) on a silver plate. 8.00 pm Jaya Mangala arati After this Arati, the curtain is drawn in front of the Deities. Sudarshana is offered a separate Arati with a 7 wick lamp. From 8 onwards, Veda students assemble in the Jagamohana to recite Vedic hymns, such as Purusha shukta, Vishnu sahasra nama, etc. 9.00 pm Sahana mela At this time again the Deity room may be open again for the meeting of the Lord with His devotees, with the same method as the morning Sahana mela. If there is no time for the Sahana mela in the evening, the Deities’ clothes are changed right away. 10.00 pm Mailama and Chandana lagi The Chandan Ghatuari brings the Chandana (sandalwood paste) and the following Sevakas conduct the rituals: Suara Badu, Pushpalaka, Ghatuari, Muduli, Palia Mekapa, Palia Pratihari, Gara Badu, Hadapa Nayaka, Palia Khuntia The Suara Badu cleans the Pokharia after Sahana Mela. The Pushpalakas do the Mailama and dress the deities with Khandua, then the Muduli mixes the chandana with camphor, musk and saffron and keeps the mix in a silver bowl. After the Mailama is completed, the Palia Mekapa brings the silver bowl into the Pokharia, the Gara Badu takes the silver bowl from the Mekapa and hands it over to the Pushpalakas, who apply chandana on the Sri Anga (the bodies of the Deities). At the same time the Hadapa Nayaka offers Bidia Pana (Betel) to the Deities and the Palia Khuntias call the attention of the Deities by crying, “Manima! Manima!”. After the Chandana lagi and until the door is locked, the singing of Gita Govinda is executed by the Bhitara Gayani (lady servant), standing at the Kalahata dvara, while the Vinakara plays the vina. At this time the Nachuri Mahari used to dance. At the time of Sri Chaitanya, Ramananda Raya organized and performed the Jagannatha Vallabha Nataka inside the temple for this evening entertainment. 10.30 pm Vesa parivartana or Bada Shinghara Vesha The Deities are dressed again, with the gorgeous night dress called the Bada sringara vesa – long silken cloth, jhara (long necklaces) and many decorations, including the nakuasi (nose pendant made with flowers, decorating the left nostril), the adharamala (very long garlands touching the base of the simhasana), the padaka (a round garland put as a base for the feet, made with flowers, tulasi, jackfruit leaves and ketaki leaves), the karapallava (hand fingers made with flowers), flower earrings and flower bangles. The purpose of such elaborate dress at the time of going to sleep is that Lord Jagannatha is enjoying with His wives and family. At this time the Deities also wear the red chadar called Gita Govinda Patta with the entire Gita Govinda woven into it. 11.15 pm Bada sringara Bhoga and Dhupa After the completion of the food offering to the various smaller shrines within the temple compound, the Bada sringara bhoga is presented to Jagannatha at the Ratna vedi, with 5 upacharas. This is the last food offering, composed of several varieties of watered rice, such as dahi pakhal, ghia pakhal, sweet rice, dali, dalma, khatta, pancakes, fried banana chips, kanji (a preparation of broken rice with vegetables), sura pani (green coconut water with camphor offered in a bronze container) and ghasa pani (a special drink of water mixed with ghi, japhal, chandana, karpura). No lamp Arati is given after this food offering. 11.45 pm Khataseja Lagi, Veena and Gayana, Puspanjali, Pushpa lagi, Pahuda, Muda and Shodha: The ritual preparations for the Deities’ night rest are also called khata seja lagi (bringing in the beds). The following Sevakas conduct the rituals: Muduli, Bada Dvara Pratihari, Khataseja Mekapa, Suara Badu, Bhandara Mekapa, Palia Pushpalaka, Temple Police Officers, Hadapa Nayak, Bhitara Gayani, Vina Kara, Palia Khuntia, Palia Pratihari, Talichu Mohapatra, Gara Badu, Basi Palia Gara Badu. During the Bada Singara, the Bada Dvara Pratihari brings the green coconuts to be offered later. The Suara Badu cleans the Pokharia after the Bhoga is offered and the Khataseja Mekapa puts one Ratna Palanka (bed for the Deities) below the Ratna simhasana. The Bhandara Mekap brings the Shayana Thakura from the Bhandara Ghara. The Sayana Thakura, the form in which the Lord goes to sleep, is also called Vasudeva Kamala. This is the Ardhanarisvara form of half Vishnu and half Lakshmi, seated on a throne with 8 arms holding the conchshell (sankha), the disc (chakra), two lotus flowers (padma), a manuscript, a mirror, and a pot filled with gems. S/He usually stays in the Palanka or Bandhara Ghara, but at the time for the bed ceremony is brought to the Simhasana near Jagannatha. The Palia Pushpalaka applies chandana on the Shayana Thakura and places Him near Jagannatha, then the Mala Samskara is performed; the flower garlands are offered first to Jagannatha and then the same garland is given to to Shayana Thakura. The other two beds are brought into the Pokharia and placed before Bada Thakura and Subhadra. The green coconuts are offered by the Bada Dvara Pratihari, and then they are sent to the shrines of Lakshmi, Vimala, Nrisimha, Sarasvati and to the Dakshina Ghara. The Hadapa Nayaka offers bidia pana tambula (betel refreshments), then Arati is performed while the Bhitara Gayani (Mahari) stands beside Jagannatha and sings verses of the Gita Govinda. The Vinakara sits near Bada Thakura and plays the vina. The Sajapalia carries the Shayana Thakura to the Jaya Vijaya Dvara while the Palia Khuntia offers white flowers. The Khataseja Mekapa puts a stand on the Jaya Vijaya Dvara on which the Shayana Thakura sits. There, green coconut, tambula and puspanjali are offered and Arati is done to the Shayana Thakura, after which the Shayana Thakura is carried back to the Ratna Simhasana. A container with sandalwood paste is placed near Jagannatha, then the beds (ratna palanka) are placed in front of the throne and the karpura lamp Arati is offered by the Pushpalakas. The Sayana Thakura is invited to sleep with His beloved companions in the bedroom (agaccha sayana-sthanam priyabhih saha kesava, divya-puspadhya-sayyanam, sukham vihara madhava), and then He is again carried into the Bandhara ghara. The Palia Pratihari closes the Jaya Vijaya Dvara, then the south gate is closed invoking the Lord (“Manima!”). The Palia Mekapa carries the chamu lamp around the Ratna simhasana and inspects the area while the akhanda lamps are extinguished. When he comes out, he closes the Kalahata Dvara, the Muduli locks the Kalahata Dvara and puts a clay seal on it, which is inspected by the Talichu Mohapatra. Then the area between the Kalahata Dvara and Jaya Vijaya Dvara is cleaned, the rings of the Jaya Vijaya dvara are tied with rope, then the Muduli and Talachu stick wet clay around the rope with the Madana Mohana mudra seal, under the control of the Chau or Bhitaracha Mahapatra, then the Jaya Vijaya dvara is locked and the Beherana dvara is sealed. The temple police inspect the entire temple to ensure that no one remains inside the temple precincts, finally all the entrance doors are locked and sealed. The Muduli and the Bada Dvara Pratihari keep guarding the Jaya Vijaya Dvara while the temple police guard the other doors. A burning lamp is left all night outside the Jaya Vijaya dvara. All the Sevakas and visitors leave the temple premises, except for the night guard, composed by the temple policemen and some Sevakas from the Palia Muduli and the Palia Mekapa groups.
Posted on: Fri, 07 Jun 2013 09:50:38 +0000
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