Honoring the Sun: Exploring Shamba Dashami and the Sacred Hymn of Praise

Shamba Dashami, observed on the Pausha Shukla Dashami (tenth day of the bright fortnight of Pausha), is a significant festival in Odisha dedicated to the Sun God. This day is marked by special rituals and offerings, particularly the preparation of a unique dish called ghanta (a mixed vegetable curry). Let’s delve into the traditions, mythology, and the sacred Stuti associated with this festival.

Understanding Shamba Dashami

• Sun Worship: The text explains that Shamba Dashami, like Kumar Purnima (which is for the Moon) is specifically dedicated to the worship of the Sun.

• End of Festivities: This marks a culmination of most of the major festivals, and hence there is a saying, “Aila Chitou Naani/ Bara Osha Parba sangare gheni, Shambara Dasami Alana Dau/ Sabu Osha Bara Ei Thau.” It implies that Shamba Dashami is the last of the big festivities that start from Chitalagi Amavasya.

• The Ghanta Dish: A special mixed vegetable dish called ghadaghada tiana (a type of mixed vegetable curry) is prepared on this day. This represents the abundance of seasonal vegetables available at this time.

Rituals and Practices

On Shamba Dashami, women observe the following practices, praying for the well-being of their children:

• Three Types of Worship: They conduct three different types of worship throughout the day, at sunrise, noon, and sunset, to represent the three phases of the sun’s journey.

• Morning Offerings: The first dhupa is offered at sunrise with fruits and sweets, along with a recitation of the Surya Purana.

• Midday Offerings: The main offering, at noon, includes gaintha (a savory snack), atakali, various types of pithas (cakes), khechudi (a type of rice dish) and the ghadaghada tiana.

• Evening Offerings: At sunset, they make a final offering with enduri, kakara, malapua, and gaja.

The Story of Shamba and the Origin of the Festival

The origin of Shamba Dashami is rooted in the story of Shamba, the son of Lord Krishna and Jambavati. According to the Shamba Purana, this upa-purana is told by Narada to Shamba:

• Shamba’s Curse: It is said that Shamba offended Lord Krishna in a family feud and was cursed with leprosy.

• Durvasa’s Guidance: Sage Durvasa advised Shamba to worship the Sun God at Konark, where he was told he would find a way to recover from his ailment.

• Shamba’s Penance: Shamba went to the banks of the Chandrabhaga River and worshipped the Sun God and received a Mani Idol.

• Recovery and Worship: Following the penance, Shamba is said to have recovered from his illness. He then promoted the tradition of Sun worship across Kalinga and also established seven major arka kshetras (Sun temples). The first such place was the Chandrabhaga River at Konark, where he began the tradition of worshipping the Sun on Paush Shukla Dashami, which is how the day is named Shamba Dashami.

• The Maga Brahmins: As the Surya Dev (Sun God) told Shamba that no one in India is pure enough to worship him, Shamba brought the Magha Brahmins from Shakadwipa (a place mentioned in Hindu scriptures) to worship him.

The Invocation of the Sun God

The provided text also includes the Shri Shambakrut Dwadashaarya Surya Stuti, a hymn of praise composed by Shamba for the Sun God. This hymn has twelve verses that describe:

• Divine Light: The rising sun dispels darkness and disease.

• Immeasurable Power: The sun’s cosmic reach.

• Manifestation: The Sun’s presence across the world.

• Source of Life: The Sun is the source of everything including the Vedas and mantras.

• Salvation: Through the Sun, one can gain knowledge, liberation, health and prosperity.

• Forgiveness and Protection: The sun dispels all darkness, negative feelings, afflictions, and all kinds of illnesses.

• Affirmation: Through worshiping the Sun, all desires, and needs can be met, as the sun is seen as both the giver of life and the path to liberation.

By chanting these sacred verses, devotees honor the Sun God and seek his blessings for health, well-being, and spiritual growth.

A Legacy of Sun Worship

The traditions and practices associated with Shamba Dashami highlight the ancient reverence for the Sun God and the enduring power of faith. It also demonstrates how the worship of nature is interwoven in the spiritual traditions of Odisha.

Bringing the Light of Devotion Home

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Jai jagannath 😊🙏