The Spirit of Dhanu Sankranti: Celebrating Pahili Bhog at Shri Jagannath Temple

Dhanu Sankranti is a significant festival in Odisha, observed since ancient times. It marks the sun’s transit into Sagittarius, and brings with it the tradition of the Pahili Bhog at the revered Shri Jagannath Temple in Puri. This festival, celebrated from Dhanu Sankranti to Makar Sankranti, beautifully combines the cultural and spiritual essence of Odisha. Let’s explore the richness of this tradition.

 

Dhanu Sankranti and the Spirit of Activity

 

The period from Dhanu Sankranti to Makar Sankranti is the peak of the winter season. It’s a time when people tend to feel sluggish and prefer to stay in bed longer. However, at Shri Jagannath Temple, the tradition is quite the opposite. During this month, all the daily rituals are performed before sunrise. This practice, known as Pahili Bhog, teaches us to be active and diligent, even in the cold.

 

This is also the time for the harvest. This sacred time reminds us of the importance of being hardworking. The harvest of this month provides nourishment for the entire year.

 

The Tradition of Pahili Bhog

 

The Shri Jagannath Temple is known for its variety of rituals, festivals, and offerings. As a prominent spiritual center, Shrikshetra is known as the Lord’s dining place. Pahili Bhog is a special part of this tradition.

 

The daily rituals in Shri Jagannath Temple are full of reverence, including elements of love, bravery, and tenderness. During Dhanu Sankranti and Makar Sankranti, the tender aspects of this tradition are particularly highlighted. This is the time when Pahili Bhog is offered to the Lord, early before the break of dawn.

 

Mother Yashoda’s Love

 

This ritual is said to be inspired by the love of Mother Yashoda, who used to feed her sons, Rama and Krishna, with great affection. During this month, it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi goes to her parent’s home, and that the Lord is taken care of by Mother Yashoda, who lovingly prepares various hot dishes for her son, Shri Jagannath. This Pahili Bhog is a symbol of a mother’s love and care for her child.

 

The Significance of Pahili Bhog

 

According to the Puranas, once, Krishna, in Dwarka, missed his mother, Yashoda. He appeared as a child again. Narada Muni witnessed this and was sent by Lord Krishna to Gokul. There, he saw Krishna and Balarama lovingly eating food made by Yashoda. Pahili Bhog is a commemoration of that scene.

 

While it is not mentioned in ancient texts such as the Skanda Purana or the Niladri Mahodaya, Pahili Bhog is believed to be a more recent practice, becoming popular around the 16th century AD. Following this, the morning worship (Sakala Dhupa) and Sahana Mela Darshan are performed, followed by the Pahuda (night rest) by midnight. According to tradition, during Dhanu Sankranti, the Bada Odia Matha sends Muan (a type of sweet) for the Lord.

 

The Ritual of Pahili Bhog

 

In Shri Jagannath Temple, Pahili Bhog is offered with the morning Gopalballav Bhog from Dhanu Sankranti to Makar Sankranti. These days, the doors open very early, followed by the morning prayers, ablutions, and adorning with jewelry. After the inner and outer temple areas are cleaned, Gopalballav Bhog is presented near the Anasara Pindi. Following the ritual, the Pahili Bhog, which includes various ghee-fried cakes made with rice and wheat, is offered to the Lord.

 

These include Bada Jhili, Darasua Badi, Darasua Jhili, Bada Bada, Kakeri, Sana Amalu, Nali, Kakera, Arisa, Mugei, Enduri, Ladu, Gaja, Khaira Chula, Manda, Chuda Pua, Badi, and Kantei.

 

Bring the Divine Traditions Home

 

If you feel drawn to the devotion and cultural significance of Shri Jagannath, explore the unique handcrafted items at justkalinga.com. With worldwide shipping available, you can bring a piece of this sacred tradition into your own home.