The Regal Consecration: Exploring the Pushyabhisheka Niti at Shri Jagannath Temple

 

Pushya Purnima, the full moon day of Pausha month, is a significant occasion at the Shri Jagannath Temple in Puri, marked by the Pushyabhisheka Niti (Coronation Ritual). This is when the deities are adorned in their regal splendor, and it is a time of immense spiritual energy and devotion. Let’s explore the history and rituals associated with this day, and its profound meaning for the devotees of Lord Jagannath.

The Essence of Pushyabhisheka

The text explains that Pushya Purnima is a day when Lord Jagannath is revered as Rajadhirajeshwara (King of Kings). The Pushyabhisheka Niti is a unique celebration where the Lord, along with his siblings, are adorned in gold and jewels, in a royal attire known as Suna Besha or Rajarajeshwar Besha.

This festival is not just a display of opulence but a remembrance of the mythical coronation of Lord Ramachandra, who returned to Ayodhya after his fourteen years of exile. On this day Lord Jagannath is honored as the supreme ruler of the universe. As it is said, “Sarvanama Sarva Devanaam, Raja Shree Purushottama” meaning, Lord Purushottama Jagannath is the king of all gods.

Scriptural Significance

The importance of the Pushyabhisheka is also underscored in scriptures:

“Pausha Maasi Site Pakshe Paurnamyaam Rukmini Pateh,
Pushyabhishekam Kurvaat Sarvakaamartha Siddhaye.”

This translates to:

“On the full moon day of the bright fortnight in Pausha month, one should perform the Pushyabhisheka of Lord Rukmini Pati to fulfill all desires.”

The Niladri Mahotsava states that by witnessing this ceremony, devotees are freed from sin and attain Vaikuntha (the abode of Vishnu):

“Evam cha paraya bhaktya toshayet Parameshwaram,
Abhishekotanka ye vai pashyanti bhuvimanavah
*Sarva paparbhi nirmootkhwa bhuktwa sharmakhilam Param,
Sarvanakaaman param labdhva vishnulokam brajanti te”

The Skanda Purana, in Shri Purushottama Kshetra Mahatmya refers to this as the Pushya Snanotsav (bathing festival of Pushya). It states that the Pushya ritual is done in years when the Purnima and the Pushya Nakshatra coincide. Bamadeva Samhita and Niladri Mahodaya refer to it as Pushyotsava, Pushya Yatra, and Abhishekotasva.

The Brahma Purana mentions that the world had lost its glory until the gods like Indra, Soma, Shukra, and Brihaspati performed penance. After their penance, on Paush Purnima, Goddess Lakshmi restored her grace upon the world and thus this day is marked with the celebration of Pushyotsava.

The Brihat Samhita, written by Barahamihira, states that on this day, Brihaspati (Jupiter) coronated Lord Indra after the Devas (gods) were defeated by the Asuras (demons), and that is why kings and lords are coronated on this day.

The Rituals of Pushyabhisheka

The Pushyabhisheka ritual is carried out meticulously at Shri Jagannath Temple with several steps:

• Adhibasa Ritual: On the day before Pushya Purnima, after the Chandan Lagi ritual, the Adhibasa ritual is performed. During this, water and ghee are kept in pots after chanting mantras.

• Yagna in the Temple Premises: A yagna shala (sacrificial hall) is built near the Pratihara Niyog office in the inner compound, where a homa (fire sacrifice) is performed during the morning dhupa.

• Maha Snana and Tadhapa Uttari Lagi: After the completion of Sakal Dhupa, the deities are bathed and adorned with Tadhapa Uttari (a specific kind of clothing).

• Adorning the Deities: After the ritual bathing, the deities are adorned with gold ornaments, flower garlands, and a special adornment called Pushpa Dhanu (floral bow and arrow)

• Abhisheka: A special abhisheka ritual is then performed, with the holy water and ghee consecrated on the previous day.

• Bandapana and Alati: The ritual concludes with bandapana (offering prayers) and aalati (waving of lamps).

The deities also take on the Rajarajeshwara Besha (the king of kings attire) for this special day. Lord Jagannath, in this attire, holds the shankha (conch), chakra (discus), gada (mace), padma (lotus), khadga (sword), dhaal (shield), hala (plow) and musala (pestle). This is also known as his Suna Besha.

A Celebration of Royalty and Spirituality

The Pushyabhisheka is not just a celebration of Lord Jagannath’s kingship but also an acknowledgment of his divinity, power, and grace. It’s a moment when devotees can immerse themselves in the regal splendor and spiritual energy of the Lord, and receive his divine blessings.

Bringing the Divine Sovereignty Home

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Jai jagannath 😊🙏