The Fragrance of Devotion: Unveiling the Story of Dayana Seva to Lord Jagannath

Among the myriad of rituals and traditions at the Shri Jagannath Temple in Puri, the Dayana Seva (Dayana offering) stands out for its unique connection with the divine. This offering, using the fragrant leaves of the Dayana plant, is not practiced at any other temple or place of worship other than at Shri Mandir, making it especially significant. Let’s explore the enchanting story behind this practice and the devotion it represents.

The Origin of Dayana Seva: A Tale of Humility and Grace

The story of Dayana reveals a powerful message about devotion and humility. It begins with a tradition where, if a garland, cloth, or flower fell from a deity during the night, the Bhitarachha Mahapatra servitor would place it back on them before the morning prayers. However, if the gaba (a small, round floral ornament) fell from Lord Jagannath’s head, it was to be given to the King.

One night, a gaba fell from the Lord’s head and was given to the King. But, the King was preoccupied with playing pasha (a board game). The Prasada Badu, upon seeing that the King had his right hand occupied, presented the gaba into his left hand.

Immediately realizing the sacrilege, the king was deeply repentant. He considered cutting off the left hand that had accepted the Lord’s offering disrespectfully. He had his minister tie him up and cut off his left hand, which they buried in the flower garden. The next day, a fragrant plant grew over the spot. It was the Dayana plant.

A Divine Revelation and the Birth of Dayana Seva

The King, intrigued by the fragrant plant, wished to offer it to the Lord. However, the priests, unaware of its significance, forbade its use. One day, the priests saw that Lord Jagannath had adorned himself with the leaves of the plant and his inner sanctum was filled with its fragrance. They informed the King, who then learnt about the plant, and also that Lord Jagannath was angry for imprisoning the innocent gardener.

Lord Jagannath came to the King in a dream and told him that the plant was dayana, and that he had grown it himself. He commanded the King to free the gardener and to include the dayana leaves in daily offerings. Since that time, the dayana became an integral part of the offerings made to Lord Jagannath. The King also built a garden in the name of Lord Jagannath, called Jagannath Ballabh Udyan, as a mark of his devotion.

The Dayana Chori Leela

On Chaitra Shukla Trayodashi, the Dayana Chori Niti (Dayana Stealing Ritual) takes place at the Jagannath Ballabh Udyan. A palanquin, bearing a painted image of Radha Krishna and Lord Kandarp, travels to the garden, accompanied by servitors. They then bring back six dayana saplings to the temple. After the Bada Singhar Bhoga (evening offering), three saplings are offered to Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra and the other three are placed in a basket. On the following day, after the Sakala Dhupa, the saplings are taken in a procession around the temple and then offered to the three deities.

The Timeless Message of Dayana

The story of the Dayana plant and the Dayana Seva encapsulates the qualities of humility, self-reflection, and devotion. The story also showcases the Lord’s ability to transform human flaws into an opportunity for grace and redemption. The Dayana plant, a symbol of transformation, acts as a fragrant reminder of the divine’s acceptance of pure devotion and self-surrender.

Bringing the Spirit of Devotion Home

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Jai jagannath 😊🙏

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