।। Danda Chhatra Niti in Srimandir ।।

Today, on the sacred Ekadashi of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) in the month of Vaishakha (Varuthini Ekadashi), as it coincides with Thursday, the special ritual ‘Danda Chhatra Niti’ is being observed in the Srimandir.

Today in the Srimandir, after the completion of the Sandhyadhupa Puja (evening incense offering ritual), along with the Mailam Niti (ritual removal of previous clothes/flowers) for the deities (Shri Jiu), the Mahasnana Niti (great bathing ritual) is performed with Panchamrita (a mixture of five nectars) only for Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath Mahaprabhu.

Subsequently, after the Ratra Chandan Lagi (nightly sandalwood paste application) on the Shri Bigrahas (sacred idols), they are adorned with gold ornaments (6 Murti Swarna Alankara Lagi – likely referring to the specific sets of ornaments for the Besha), and the Bada Singhara Besha (late-night attire/decoration) is performed. After the completion of the Bada Singhara Besha, the Palia Bada Dwara Pratihari (servitor on duty at the main gate) goes to the Rosha (temple kitchen) to call for the Bada Singhara Bhoga (late-night food offering).

At this time, Sridevi (representative idol of Lakshmi) goes and sits on Mahaprabhu’s lap. Thereafter, the Bada Singhara Bhoga (Chheka – the specific offering) arrives, and the Bhoga Puja (worship associated with the food offering) is performed with Panchopachara (five articles of worship).

After the Bada Singhara Bhoga Puja is completed, the Bhitarachha Mahapatra, Mudrahasta (also known as Mudirasta), Palia Mekap, Amunia Chhatara, Palia Khuntia, Akhanda Mekap, and Sudhasuara go inside (the sanctum) and assemble near the Shri Bigrahas for the Danda Chhatra Niti.

First of all, after the Mudirasta purifies/consecrates (sanskara) the silver white umbrella (Rupa Shweta Chhatra), the Bhitarachha Mahapatra ascends the Ratna Singhasan (Jewelled Throne) and stands near Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath Mahaprabhu, holding the Shweta Chhatra (white umbrella). The Palia Mekap ascends the Singhasan and, kneeling (āṇṭhu māḍi), holds the base (mūḷa) of the handle (beṇṭa) of the said Danda Chhatra (umbrella with a staff), similar to how Hanuman holds the staff during Shri Ramachandra’s coronation (Pattabhisheka).

After this, the Mudirasta applies Prasad (sacred offering) and performs the Gadi Pheta Lagi (a specific ritual, possibly related to tying/arranging cushions). Thereafter, at Mahaprabhu’s Bada (side/section of the throne), the Mudirasta performs Bandapana (worship/offering) with camphor (karpura), rice (chāuḷa), and Balita (possibly wicks/lamps) twice.

After this, the Rajaniti Bandapana (a specific type of royal worship/protocol) is performed. The Mudirasta performs Aarti (waving of lamps) using a gold Karpura Dani (camphor holder). He performs seva (service) holding the gold Alata (fan) and gold Chamara (fly-whisk). While he is doing this, the Palia Khuntia showers white flowers (śukḷa puṣpa) onto the Shri Anga (sacred body) and, holding a cane (Beta), calls out “Manima” (a respectful address to the deity).

The Akhanda Mekap stands below the Ratnasinghasan, holding the Baitha (possibly a lamp stand or ritual implement). After the Rajaniti Bandapana is completed, the Mudirasta descends from the Singhasan and, at Mahaprabhu’s Bada, offers Ghasa Jala (consecrated water) and performs Bidia Lagi (betel offering), followed by offering Dahipati (Dahi o Sākara – curd and sugar) for Manohi (deity’s acceptance/consumption).

After this, he (Mudirasta) ascends the Singhasan again, performs Mailam (removal) of the Chandan Prasad (sandalwood paste offering) from Mahaprabhu’s Bada, removes the Danda Chhatra from the Bhitarachha Mahapatra, and then descends.

Following this, Sridevi descends from Mahaprabhu’s lap and sits down again in her own place (Swasthana), or below Mahaprabhu’s left Shri Bhuja (sacred arm).

Unveil the fascinating Danda Chhatra Niti performed for Lord Jagannath! Explore the intricate steps of this unique umbrella ritual and deepen your understanding of Srimandir traditions at justkalinga.com.