The Temple of Lord Jagannath

The Temple. Lord Jagnnath Temple The Deities Legend Indradyumna's prayer to Lord Brahma The episode of the Lord's grace during a war with Kanchi. Rituals Costumes Mahaprasad The Temple. The present temple is a rekha deula with curviliner tower on a pancha ratha plan and was built by Ananta Barma Chodaganga Dev during 12th century A.D and was completed by Ananga Bhima Dev.This temple is one of the tallest monument in the country,which height is about 214 feet from the ground level. It stands on an elevated platform of stone measuring about 10 acres, which is located in the heart of the down town and presents an imposing sight.The temple is bounded by two enclosures.The inner enclosure is 400' x 278 'size and is known as kurma bedha. The outer enclosure is of 665' x 644' size with the height varying from 20 ' to 24 ' is popularly known as Meghanad Prachir. The temple has four gates at the eastern, southern,western, and northen midpoints of the Meghanad Prachir and are called Lions gate,Horse Gate , Tiger Gate and the Elephant Gate respectively. The temple has got four halls in a row such as Viman (main temple where Lord Jagannath is worshipped with brother Balabhadra, sister Subhadra and Sudarshan ), Jagamohan (Audience hall ), Natamandap (Dance hall ) and the Bhoga Mandap (offering hall ). The Deities Lord Jagannath, the symbol of univerrsal love and brotherhood is worshipped in the Temple alongwith Balabhadra, Subhadra,Sudarshan, Madhaba, Sridevi and Bhudevi on the Ratnabedi or the bejewelled platform. The Deities of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra and Chakra Sudarshan are made of margosa wood. When one lunar month of Ashadha is followed by another lunar month of Aashadha, the deities change their bodies during the leap month.This is known as Navakalebar or New Body Ceremony. Last four new body ceremonies of the Lords was celebrated in the year 1950 1969, 1977 and 1996. On such occasions Puri witnesses the largest crowd in her fold.

LEGEND Legendary account as found in the Skanda-Purana, Brahma Purana and other Puranas state that Lord Jagannath was originally worshipped as Neela madhab by a saver king ( tribal chief ) named Viswavasu. Having heard about the Deity , King Indradyumna sent a brahmin priest, Vidyapati to locate the Deity, who was worshipped secretely in a dense forest by Viswavasu. Vidyapati tried his best but could not locate the place. But at last he managed to marry Viswavasu's daughter Lalita . At repeated request of Vidyapati, Viswavasu took his son-in-law blind folded to a cave where Neelamadhab was worshipped Vidyapati was very intelligent. He dropped mustard seeds on the ground on the way. The seeds germinated after a few days,which enabled him to find out the cave later on. On hearing from him , King Indradyumna proceeded immediately to Odra desha ( Orissa ) on a pilgrimage to see and worship the Deity. The king was disappointed at the sudden disappearance of the Deity.The Deity was hidden in sand. The king was determined not to return without having darshan of the Deity and observed fast unto death at Mount Neela, when a celestial voice cried 'thoushalt see him '. Afterwards the king performed a horse sacrifice and built a magnificient temple for Vishnu.Narasingha Murti brought by Narada was installed in the temple.During sleep,the king had a vision of Lord Jagannath.Also anastral voice directed him to receive the fragrant tree on the seashore and make idols out of it. Accordingly the king got Lord Jagannath,Balabhadra ,Subhadra and Chakra Sudarshan made and installed them in the temple. Indradyumna's prayer to Lord Brahma King Indardyumna put up for Jagannath the tallest monument of the world'. It was 1,000 cubits high. Lord Brahma, the cosmic creator,was immensely pleased with him. He asked him as to in what way can HE (Brahma ) fulfil his (the king's ) desire,since HE was very much pleased with him for his having put a most beautiful Temple for Lord Vishnu. With folded hands, Indradyumna said ," My Lord , if you are really pleased with me, kindly bless me with one thing, and it is this.I pray that I should be issueless and I should be the last member of my family." Lord Brahma was very much surprised to hear this. He asked the king as to why he made such a prayer.Indradyumna replied, " in case there was anybody left alive after him,he would only take pride as the

owner of the temple and would not work for the society." The episode of the Lord's grace during a war with Kanchi. At one time, a king of Kanchi in the down south remarked that the king of orissa was a chandala ( a man of very low caste or status because, he performs the duties of a sweeper during the Car Festival ). When this reached the ears of the king of orissa, he led an expedition against Kanchi. Before that, he implored the mercy of Lord Jagannath. The soldiers of Orissa marched towards Kanchi from cuttack ( the historic capital city of Orissa, located on the bank of Mahanadi, at a distance of 30 Kms.from Bhubaneswar ).It so happened that when the soldiers, headed by the king Purusottam Dev, reached a place near the Chilika lake, a lady ,who was selling curd ( a milk preparation sour in taste ) met him ( the King ) and presented a golden ring studded with precious gems and submitted this. " My Lord, kindly listen to me. A little earlier, two soldiers riding over two horses ( white and black in colour ), approached me and said ' 'we are thirsty give us curds to drink.' I gave them curds. Instead of giving me money , they gave me this ring and said ,'the king of orissa will come here, after some time , on his way to Kanchi; you present it to him and he will pay you the money.' So my Lord, you take it and give me my dues." It took no time for the king to see it and to know that the ring belongs to Lord Jagannath. He was convinced that Jagannath and Balabhadra were proceeding to the battle field ahead of him to help him there. To perpetuate the memory of this great incident, the king founded a village in the Chilika lake area. As the name of the lady was Manika, the name given to the village was Manika Patana .Even to this day, the curds of this village are known to be the very best. SERVITORS(Sevayats) The persons entrusted in the Seva-Puja(ritual services) of the deities are known as Sevayats or Sevakas(servitors). Most of them enjoy hereditary rights to perform the ritual services. THE SEVAKA COMMUNITY In the past there was provision of " 36 Nijogas " or 36 types of sevakas in the Jagannath Temple. But in practice the real seva is much higher than this. According to the report of the then Collector,Puri Mr Grome in 1805 thirty six types of seva increased

further. The Record of Rights of Sri Jagannath Temple spells about 119 categoris of Sevas which is stated as follows. SEVA LIST 1. Gajapati Maharaja 2. Parichha or Rajaguru 3. Chhatisa Nijog Naik Patajoshi Mahapatra 4. Bhitarachha 5. Talichha 6. Mudirasta 7. Deula Purohit 8. Puja Panda 9. Bada Panda 10. Puspalak 11. Mahajan 12. Mudra 13. Khuntia 14. Bhandar Mekap 15. Palia Mekap 16. Akhand Mekap 17. Changada Mekap 18. Khata Seja Mekap 19. Pratihari 20. Daita 21. Pati Mahapatra 22. Patribadu 23. Garabadu 24. Suarbadu 25. Khuri Naik 26. Mukha Pakhala 27. Ghatuari Oger 28. Gochhikar 29. Sunagoswami 30. Muduli 31. Alati Balita Sevak 32. Puran Panda 33. Dutta Mahapatra 34. Lugadhua & Panikunda Sevak 35. Ballav Jogania 36. Bimanbadu 37. Anasar Sudha Suar & Sudha Suar 38. Hadap Naik 39. Bidia Jogania 40. Khatuli Sevak 41. Asan Pratihari 42. Kothabhog Jogania 43. Pradhani 44. Paika 45. Lenka 46. Suar Nijog Naik

47. Suar Nijog & Mahasuar 48. Jagia Mahasuar 49. Badu Suar Thala, Tuna, & Amalu Suar 50. Pantibadu 51. Amalu Tola,Pura Kharadi 52. Tolabadu 53. Rosa Paika 54. Bahara Deuli Suar 55. Bahara Deuli Jogania 56. Rosa Dhopakhalia, Angarua,Gobar Pania & Rabadia 57. Handi Jogania Tolabadi 58. Birimunda Samartha 59. Kotha Bhoga Pania 60. Panikipata 61. Nikap & Gandhan Nikap 62. Biri Buha 63. Daudi Bala 64. Chunara 65. Sabat Nijog 66. Paniapat 67. Mandani 68. Chakaapasar 69. Mulia Suansua 70. Binakar 71. Darpania 72. Kotha Suansua 73. Mahabhoi 74. Gitagobind 75. Bhitara Gaeni 76. Samprada Nijog 77. Dayanamali 78. Madeli 79. Prasad Badu,Badu Mahapatra 80. Tatua 81. Patar Bundha 82. Baijayanti 83. Chhatar Nijog 84. Kahalia 85. Sankhua 86. Parbyatra Jogania 87. Chitrakar 88. Rupakar 89. Bania 90. Damara Bisoi 91. Karatia 92. Bentabindha Paika 93. Patara Bisoi 94. Kala Bethia 95. Daraji Seva 96. Kumbhar Bisoi 97. Rath Bhoi

98. Mala Chula 99. Banua 100. Chakradihudi 101. Ojha Maharana 102. Ghanta Seva 103. Ghantua 104. Rath Dahuka 105. Badhei 106. Baidya 107. Amunia Chhatar 108. Chhamudihudi 109. Chapadehera 110. Chapa Dalei 111. Mapasaita Karan 112. Chadhhau Karan 113. Deula Karan 114. Baitha Karan 115. Kotha Karan 116. Churcha Karan 117. Dayanapatra 118. Chaula Bachha Karan 119. Matha & Byaktigata Seva DUES TO SEVAYATS Various rewards are given to sevayats in cash and kind from the Temple Administration. A "Hundi" is placed in the Jagamohan of the temple since 23.8.83 for large scale donation. 90% of the Hundi fund is deposited in the Bank as foundation fund out of the interest money accruing from the foundation fund 50% goes to the Temple fund, 45% to the Sanskrit University and 5% to the Sevayats Welfare Fund. On an average 80 sevaks perform ritual services everyday. Each of them is entitled to get a portion(known as khei) from the Raj-Bhoga or Kotha-Bhoga of the day. In addition to "Khei" , most of the sevaks are paid daily remuneration i.e. cash reward, according to the scales prescribed by the managing committee of the Temple. Some sevaks get reward in both cash and kind. MARRIAGE SYSTEM OF SEVAKS Sevayat Marriage System is a typical marriage system. Generally the Brahmin sevayat's marriage system is solely on Insist-marriage on Debaniti. They can marry only amongst brahmin sevayats for which they can marry within "Atharnala" the entry point of Puri. They cannot marry outside Puri and outcaste marriage is also prohibited. If one will do so then he will be outcasted and debarred of his paternal sevapuja in the temple. For Non-Brahmin sevayats this rule is not

strictly followed. In their marriage system the groom is to go first to the bride's house. Then the groom will return to his house. After that the groom will go alongwith Barayatri.Then after the marriage the groom will return alone to his house. The 2nd day of the marriage is called "Utchha" (Utchhaba). The brother-in-law will come for calling the groom. The groom will go and their "bandhan" will take place for both bride-groom. The third day is called "Guali". On that day before sunrise the groom will again go alongwith his maternal uncle to bride's house. One ritual will take place in bride's house for both. On that night both bride and groom will return to the groom's house with procession. After that the bride will return to her house on that night. After 3-4 hours again the ladies from the groom's side will go and bring the bride. On 4th day normal ritual takes place. The Costumes (Veshas) of Lord Jagannath Trivikram Vesha The Deities are adorned with cotton and silken fabrics, Gold Ornaments studded with precious stones, flowers of different varieties, Tulasi leaves etc, sandal paste,camphor are used in the daily and periodical rituals.some important Veshas or costumes of the deities are mentioned below. 1. Abakasha (Tadapa uttari) Vesha This Vesha is done everyday after Mangal Alati for the Abakash rituals.The clothes which are worn by the deities for this purpose are known as "Tadapa" and "Uttariya". 2. Sadha Vesha This Vesha is the normal costumes of deities which they wear five times in a day, especially after each food offering. This Vesha is done with silken clothes and flower garlands. 3. Bada Srungar Vesha This the last Vesha of the deities done everyday before the night "Pahuda". Bada Srungar Vesha is mostly of flowers of different colours and species. The deities wear silk clothes called 'Khandua'. 4. Chandan Vesha This vesha is done for 42 days starting from Akshaya Trutiya day. 5. Ganapati or Hati vesha On the full moon day in the month of Jyestha, after the bathing ceremony is over, the deities are dressed like elephants. Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra appear like Ganesh (the Elephant God).

6. Suna (gold) vesha On the 11th day in the bright fortnight of Ashada, Suna Vesha takes place, when the deities are in their respective chariots near the Lion's gate of the SHREE JAGANNATH Temple. The deities are decorated with many gold ornaments. This vesha is also known as 'Bada Tadhau' vesha and Raja Vesha is also done on Dashahara, Kartik Purnima,Pousa purnima and Dola purnima. 7. Banabhoji Vesha It is done on the 1oth day of the dark fortnight of Bhadraba. The deities are dressed as if going to attend a picnic, like cowherd boys. 8. Kaliyadalana Vesha On the 11th day of the dark fortnight of Bhadraba, Lord JAGANNATH is dressed like Lord Krishna killing the Kaliya Serpent. 9. Pralambasura Badha Vesha It is done on the 12th day of the dark fortnight of Bhadraba(September), Lord Balabhadra's killing of the demon Pralambasura is depicted in this Vesha 10. Krishna Balarama Vesha This Vesha is done on the 13th day of the dark fortnight of Bhadraba. Lord Jagannath and Balabhadra are dressed like Lord Krishna and Balaram. 11. Bali Baman Vesha On the 12th day of the bright fortnight of Bhadraba ,Lord Jagannath is dressed like "Bamana" (dwarf). Bamana is the fifth incarnation of Lord Bishnu. 12. Radha-Damodara Vesha From the 11th day of the bright fortnight of Ashwena to the 10th day of the bright fortnight of Kartika, this vesha takes place. 13. Thiakia (Laxmi-Narayan) Vesha It is done on the 11th day of the bright fortnight of Kartika. 14. Bankachula Vesha It is done on the 12th day of the bright fortnight of Kartika. 15. Adakia (Tribikrama) Vesha This is done on the 13th day of the bright fortnight of Kartika. 16. Dalikia Vesha On the 14th day of the bright fortnight of Kartika,this is also known as Laxmi-Nrusimha Vesha. 17. Nagarjuna Vesha This vesha is occasionally done in the month of Kartika, when there are six days of "Panchaka". The lords are dressed like warriors. In the recent past,this besha has been done on 16.11.1994.The

previous four dates were 26.11.1993, 3.11.1968, 16.11.1967 and 26.11.1966. 18. Ghodalagi Vesha During the period from the 6th day of the bright fortnight of Margasira to the 5th day of the bright fortnight of Magha (Basanta Panchami) , the deities wear winter clothes. 19. Jamalagi Vesha From Basanta Panchami to Dola Purnima, the deities wear modified Ghoda (Winter dress). 20. Padma Vesha This vesha is done on any saturday or wednesday between the new moon day of Magha and Basanta Panchami."Padma" means lotus. The dress materials made of lotus, "Sola" lace and paper,gum etc. 21. Gaja Uddharana Vesha This Vesha is done on the full moon day of Magha. This Vesha depicts a story in the puranas as to how lord Bishnu saved an elephant from the attack of an alligator. Besides, there are other veshas like Sradha and Chacheri veshas are done in the month of Margasira and Falguna respectively. The sevaks of temple who dress the deities with clothing and flowers are known as Puspalaks or Singharis. MAHAPRASAD Four hallowed shrines located at cardinal points of the Indian sub-continent i.e. Puri,Rameswar,Dwarika and Badrinath are believed to have been liked by Lord Vishnu intimately. It is said and believed that He takes His bath at Rameswaram, meditates at Badrinath,dines at Puri and retires at Dwarika.It is therefore,lot of importance is given to the temple food "Mahaprasad" (not prasad but Mahaprasad) here at Puri. According to " Skanda Purana" Lord Jagannath redeems the devotees by permitting them to partake his Mahaprasad,to have His darshan and worship Him by rituals and offering of gifts .Mahaprasad is treated here as 'Anna Brahma'. The temple kitchen has got the capacity to cook for a lakh of devotees on a day.Mahaprasad is cooked only in earthen pots and medium of food is fire wood only. The steam-cooked food is offered to Lord Jagannath first and then to Goddess Bimala after which it becomes Mahaprasad.This Mahaprasad is freely partaken by people of all castes and creeds without any discrimination.The items offered include cooked rice, dal, vegetable curry,

sweet-dishes, cakes etc. Dry confectionaries are prepared of sugar,gur,wheat flour,ghee,milk and cheese etc. When the steam cooked food is carried to Lord in slings of earthen pots no flavour comes up from the food but when the same is carried back to the sale point after being offered to the Lord a delicious smell spells along in the breeze to the pleasant surprise of the devotees.Now the food is blessed. Mahaprasad consolidates human bond,sanctifies sacraments and grooms the departing soul for its journey upwards. Mahaprasad are sold in Anand Bazar or the PleasureMart of the temple which is situated on the north east corner of the outer enclosure of the temple.It is the biggest open-air hotel in the world where every day thousands of devotees purchase and eat together forgetting their caste,creed and status. Most of the residents in and around puri depend upon this Mahaprasad to entertain their guests during social functions such as threading and weddings. The tourists prefer to carry a particular type of dry Mahaprasad known as" Khaja" (made of maida,sugar and ghee) which stays fresh for days together.

FESTIVE OCCASSIONS DOLA YATRA This is Celebrated from the tenth day of the bright fortnight of Falguna up to the full moon day. The representative deities Dologobinda, Bhudevi and Sreedevi are taken in a procession to Dolabedi located outside the outer compound wall of the main Temple and special rites are performed. CHANDAN YATRA This Takes place in the month of Vaisaksha and continues for long 42 days. But, generaly speaking and for the piligrims and visitors,it is a Festival of 21 day only.The first period known as "Bahar Chandan"or outer Chandan. During this period,the representative images of Rama,Krushna,Madanmohan,Laxmi, and Biswadhatri at taken in a procession to Narendra tank.Also images of Siva from 5 Siva Temples known as "Pancha Pandavas" accompany them in a Procession in the Narendra tank, the images play in well decorated boats and are worshipped. The second period of 21 days known as "Bhitar Chandana" is celebrated inside the Temple. The rites

observed on this period are not popularly enjoyed. SNANA YATRA This Festival takes places in the month of Jestha. it is popularly known as the Deba Snana Purnima.This is the first occasion in the course of a year when the deities Jagannath,Balabhadra,Subhadra along with Sudarsan and Madanmohan are brought out from the Temple and taken in procession to Snana Bedi located in the North East corner of the outer compound.The deities are bathed there with 108 pitchers of water from a well near the Northen Gate. Here,Jagannath and Balabhadra are dressed like Lord Ganesh of the purans with the head of an elephant. RATHA YATRA (Chariot (Car) Festival) The most splendid of the innumerable festivals celebrated round the year in the holy city of Puri , the Ratha Yatra is the grand culmination of a series of celebrations spread over the summer and the monsoon month. Akshaya Trutiya tithi marks the beginning of the construction of the Rathas (chariots) for the ceremonial journey and sojourn of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra at the Gundicha Temple for a week. On the full-moon day of the month of Jyestha (May-June) in the Snana Yatra, the Bathing Festival,when the three deities move in colourful processions to a platform in the outer enclosure of the temple, the Snana Vedi, the bathing platform, where they bath with one hundred and eight pitchers of perfumed water drawn from a temple well once a year. After the ritual bath, the deities assume the special elephant form, recalling the legend of the Lord's affection for a devotee, whom He proved that he was in fact another manifestation of Lord Ganesha. At the end of the Snana Yatra day, the holy triad,supposedly afflicted with fever, do not return to their pedestal in the sanctum.they stay away from the public view for a period of fifteen days,called Anasara,after which they appear in their Navayauvana Ve ha,literally a renewed youth, on the new moon day of the Month of Ashadha.During this fortnight the icons get a fresh coat of painting which gets washed out on the day of the Bathing Festival. During this period the Sevakas, temple servants, also symbolically convalesce with the deities and eat only fruits and other restricted diet.Cloth paintings.representing the deities called Anasara Pati, and displayed beyond the

enclosers hiding the deities for the devotees to see and worship. Finally comes the Ratha Yatra on the second day of the bright fortnight of the month Of Ashadha when the three deities,come out of the temple in a specacular procession called pahandi. The deities, colossal wooden statues, adorned with giant floral crowns, called Tahias, are literally pulled, pushed and dragged in rhythmic movement to the accompaniment of the beat of cymbals, drums and chanting of their names in chorus by devotees in frenzied ecstasy. After all the deities are seated in their respective chariots starts the Chhera Pamhara the ritual sweeping of the chariots with a golden broom by the Gajapati King of Puri,the foremost servant of God,the Adya sevaka of Lord Jagannath. The King comes from his palace on a richly decorated palanquin. Chhera Pamhara on is a symbolic rite which proclaims that the King like others is but an humble servant of the real sovereign, Lord Jagannath. The most exciting part of the Rath yatra is the pulling of chariots by thousands of people who lay their hands on the sturdy ropes and drag the massive structures along the Bada-Danda,the grand road. The Chariot of Balabhadra moves first, followed by those of Subhadra and Jagannath. The chariots grind forward slowly until they reach the Gundicha temple where the three detities rest for a night on their own chariots, adorned with the Dasavatara costumes .They enter the Gundicha temple on the next day in the usual Pahandi style and stay there for seven days. Godess Laxmi,who gets angry for being left out at the temple, proceeds to the Gundicha temple to meet her Lord, Jagannath ,on the Hera Panchami day,the fifth day from the Ratha Yatra . After having a stealthy look at her Lord, she returns to the temple, damaging a part of Jagannath's chariot in anger and disgust. The deities, after a seven-day stay at Gundicha temple, their garden house, commence their return journey, the Bahuda Yatra,On the tenth day of bright fortnight of Ashadha. The return of the chariots takes place in the same order as in the rath yatra. Balabhadra chariot moves first,followed by those of Subhadra and jagannath. On his way back,Jagannath stops for a while at Ardhasini temple, popularly called Mausi Ma temple of the temple of Aunt.He accepts from the aunt His favourite rice cake,Poda Pitha. The three chariots pulled by thousands of devotees, reach back the Simhadwara in the late afternoon of the Bahuda day and deities remain seated on their chariots. On the next day the Bada Ekadasi,the three deities,are attired

in costumes of glittering gold and are worshipped by thousands of devotees. This form of the deities is known as the famous Suna Vesa. On the Dwadasi day, the three deities go back to theiroriginal place,the Ratna simhasana, literally the jewelled platform,with the usual fanfare and the Pahandi style.Their arrival in to the Sanctum sanctorum marks the end of the Ratha Yatra the grand festival of Chariot. NAVAKALEVARA As a man discarding worn out clothes takes other new ones,so also the embodied soul, Casting off worn out bodies enters into others which are new.In the light of this truth from The Bhagavat Geeta, Navakalevar can be interpreted as a ceremony for entering into new bodies, when Lord Jagannath,, Balabhadra,Subhadra and Sudarshan cast off their old bodies and take new ones,it is called Navakalevar. The year which has two months of Ashadha is regarded auspicious for Navakalevar ceremony.It usually occurs in 8 to 19 years. The new bodies of the deities are made out of the newly cut neem trees. The previous navakalevars were in 1733,1744,1752, 1771,1790, 1809,1828, 1836,1855,1874,1893,1912, 1931,1950, 1969,1977 and 1996.

DAILY RITUALS (The timings are subject to change depending upon the rituals of the day) 1. "DWARPHITA & MANGAL ALATI " AT 5 A.M. The door opens early in the morning in the presence of the five specific sevayats after verification of the "seal" given by a particular sevayat in the last night. Soon after the opening of the door, sacred lamps is offered to the deities which is called "Mangal Alati". 2. "MAILAM" AT 6 A.M. " Mailam" is a ward used in Shri Jagannath Temple,which means change or removal of dresses and flowers etc. At this time some specific sevaks change the clothes, flowers, Tulasi leaves of the deities worn on the previous night. After removal of colthes,the clothes known as "Tadap"and "Uttariya"are worn by the deities. 3. "ABAKASH" - 6 A.M. TO 6.30 A.M. Purificatory rites like brushing of teeth and bath is known as "Abakash ". At this time Temple

Jyotisha ( Astrologer ) reads out the tithi and other astrological details of the day and according to that, that very days rituals are performed. 4. " MAILAM" 6.45 A.M. At this time deities change their clothes ( Tadap & Uttariya ) and wear another set of clothes. A sevak known as "Akhanda Mekap " keeps in the sanctum Akhanda Baitha i.e. one lamp which burns till " Pahuda " or the time of the retirement of the deities to bed. 5. "SAHANAMELA " - 7A.M. TO 8 A.M. Though this is not a part of the rituals,but about one hour is spent to facilitate pilgrims to go up to "Ratnavedi " or inner sanctums to have a Darshan, without paying fees for it. On certain festive days, Sahanamela is held after " Sandhya dhupa " (Evening Puja or Sandhya Alati in the month of Kartik) and after Sakaldhupa ( in the month of Pausha ). Some times this darshan is not allowed for some special rituals of the deities. 6. " BESHALAGI " - 8 A.M. After Sahanamela the deities are again dressed up which can be witnessed from a little distance i.e." Bhitara Katha ". At this time, Deities are also adorned with gold and precious stones to suit diffeerent festive occasions. 7. ROSHA HOMA, SURYA PUJA, AND DWARAPAL PUJA- 8 A.M. to 8.30 A.M. While some sevayats are busy with vesha lagi of the Deities, Pujapandas at that time perform " Rosha Homa "( Fire Sacrifice ) at the kitchen and " Surya puja " at the surya temple near "Mukti Mandap ". Then the images of two gate keepers named Jaya and Vijaya on the entrance of the Jagamohan of the Temple are worshipped. 8. GOPALA BALLAVA PUJA - 9 A.M. The prescribed time is 9 A.M. This is the time for breakfast of the deities. At this time sweet popcorn (Khei ), Khualadus, Coconuts sweets (Kora), Ripe banana, Curd, and chipped coconuts etc. are offered as bhogas. Puja is performed in a brief manner with pancha upachar only. 9. SAKALA DHUPA (MORNING FOOD OFFERING) 10 A.M. At this time puja is performed by three Pujapandas with 16 Upachars or Sodasha Upachars. Three Pujapandas used to sit on Ratnasinhasana to worship three deities Shri Balabhadra,Subhadra, and Lord

Jagannath. The Pujapanda who worships Lord Jagannath also worships Sri Devi, Bhudevi,and Sudarshan. The morning bhoga or food offered to the deities contains Rice, Kanika, Khechudi, Green leaves, Cakes etc.. The local names of the Bhog are Pitha Puli,Hansakeli, Kanti, Enduri ,Matha Puli, Kakatua Jhili, Bundia, Kadali Bhaja, Ada Pachedi (ginger tonic ) etc.. The cost of the dhoop Pujas and Ballavs are borne by the Temple Administration.Previously Raja-Superintendent of the temple born the cost of materials for preparation of Bhoga. So these Bhogas are also called "Raja Bhoga "or "Kotha Bhoga". 10. MAILAM & BHOGA MANDAP : 11 A.M. After Morning Dhupa or Puja the Deities changed their Clothes " and again Puja takes places in "Bhoga Mandap ",a place behind the Garuda pillar of Jagamohan. Huge quantity of Bhogas such as Rice ,Dal,Curries,Saga and Cakes of different kinds etc.are offered to the Deities. Pujapandas worship this bhog with Pancha Upachars. The cost of Bhoga Mandap offerings are not borne by the state or Temple Administration. This bhoga is mainly prepared to meet the need of different Mathas ( Monasteries ) and for sale to the general public. According to the demand, Bhogamandap Puja is made twice or thrice a day i.e. after " Madhyanha Dhoop" and "Sandhya Dhup " also. 11. MADHYANHA DHUPA (Afternoon food offering )11A.M. to 1 P.M. Like Sakal Dhupa, this puja is also performed with Sodasa Upachar in the afternoon.The Bhoga items are more in number than that of Morning Dhupa. One can go near to the " Ratna Singhasan" for darshan by paying special Darshan fee @ Rs 10 /- after Madhynha Dhupa & Sakal Dhupa. 12. MADHYANHA PAHUDHA 1 P.M. to 1.30 P.M. If rituals have been performed in time and if time permits, the Deities retire for the afternoon. 13. SANDHYA ALATI In the evening again sacred lamps are offered to the deities after Madhyana Dhupa Mailam. On Ekadasi day,the deities change their clothes and wear another sets after "Alati" is over. 14. SANDHYA DHUPA - 7 P.M. to 8 P.M. After "Sandhya Alati" again Bhogas are offered to the deities in the same manner like Sakala and Madhyan Dhupa but this time Bhoga amount is less in

quantity and number. After Puja again lamp offering is made which is called as "Jaya Mangala Alati". 15. MAILAM AND CHANDANA LAGI After "Sandhya Dhoopa" deities changed their clothes and are annointed with Sandal paste mixed with champhor, keshar and Kasturi. One can witness this ritual by paying special Darsan fees. 16. BADASINGHAR VESHA After Chandan lagi, deities are dressed with Baralagi Patta (silken robes on which some portions of Geeta Govinda of Jayadev are woven in to the texture of these robes) and flower ornaments. 17. BADASINGHARA BHOGA This is the last bhoga of the day. Puja is offered With Pancha Upachar by the Puja Pandas with Pakhal(watered rice),Kadali bada,Kshiri ,Kanji etc. 18. KHATA SEJA LAGI AND PAHUDA 12.00 The bedsteads of the deities are arranged. The Deity of "Sayan Thakura" is carried from Bhandarghar to Ratnavedi or Ratnasinghashana and place the deity near Lord Jagannath. Then follows offering of green cocoanut, betels and camphor alati and then deities retire to their beds. After sealing the doors by the Sevayat (Talichha Mohapatra). Temple is closed and no visitors or outsiders are allowed to remain inside. This is in brief the daily rituals observed in the Temple. It is generally not possible to follow the time prescribed for each ritual on account of various practical difficulties. On the specific festive day,additional rituals are performed. As a result, charges in timings and alterations in the routine rituals are made. DARSHAN As indicated above during Sahanamela, the devotees can go up to the "Ratna Singhasana" and pray to Lords, free of cost. Besides the pilgrims can go up to "Ratna Singhasana" at certain times paying a nominal fee Rs.10/- ,which is known as "Parimanik Darshana". At other times the pilgrims can have their darshan from a little distance that is in "Jagamohan" and "Vitarakatha". BHOGA Every day 5 bhogas are offered to the Lords, these are "Gopala-Ballava"(Break fast), "Sakal Dhupa" "Madhyana Dhupa" "Sandhya Dhupa" and "Badasinghar Dhupa". The details of these Dhupas are given above in

the rituals.