Finance
With the completion of the Suna Besha of the Holy Trinity of Puri Srimandir on Thursday, preparations for the ‘Adhara Pana’ ritual, in which large earthen pots containing a sweet drink will be offered to Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra on their respective chariots stationed outside the Singha Dwara of the 12th-century shrine, are in full swing.
Because the earthen pots are high enough to reach the goddesses’ lips, the offering is known as ‘Adhara Pana’ – ‘Adhara’ represents the lips, and ‘Pana’ denotes the refreshing sweet drink.
This ritual is conducted on the Hindu calendar’s Asadha Sukla Pakhya Dwadashi.
Each earthen pot contains a delectable beverage made of milk, cream, cheese, sugar, banana, camphor, nutmeg, black pepper, and other spices. Following the sacrifices to the deities, the pots are smashed to free the souls/spirits who reside in the chariots.
The refreshment is only for the Gods and Goddesses who stayed on the chariots during Rath Yatra to safeguard Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra, thus the name ‘Rath Rakhyak’. It is forbidden for devotees to consume.
The goddesses are customarily offered ‘Adhara Pana’ during the Madhyahna Dhupa (noon meal), followed by the Sodasha Upachara Puja (16 kinds of worship).
According to the schedule, rituals should be completed by 8 p.m. today. On July 1 (Saturday), the servitors will execute the Niladri Bije (Lords’ entry into the Srimandir sanctum sanctorum).
Source:OCN
