A Night of Divine Adornment: The Danda Chhatra Niti and Bada Singhar Besha of Lord Jagannath

At the Shri Jagannath Temple in Puri, every day is a tapestry of unique rituals and ceremonies, each highlighting the multifaceted nature of the divine. When Ekadashi (the eleventh day) falls on a Thursday, it brings with it the special observance of the Danda Chhatra Niti and the Bada Singhar Besha, where Lord Jagannath and his siblings are adorned in splendor and participate in sacred ceremonies before retiring for the night. Let’s explore the details of these beautiful traditions.

The Sacred Bath and the Bada Singhar Besha

When an Ekadashi falls on a Thursday, after the Sandhya Dhupa (evening offering), the deities are given a Maha Snana (grand bath) using panchamrita (a mixture of five auspicious ingredients). Following this bath, the deities are adorned with sandalwood paste, marking the start of the Bada Singhar Besha.

During this besha, the Chha Murti Alankar (six-piece ornaments) are used. Goddess Shridevi resides on the lap of Lord Jagannath. Then the deities are offered the Bada Singhar Bhoga (night offering).

The Danda Chhatra Niti: A Symbolic Ritual

After the Bada Singhar Bhoga, the Bhitarachha Mahapatra, Mudirasta, Palia Mekap, Amunia Chhatara, Palia Khuntia, Akhanda Mekap, and Sudu Suara servitors enter to perform the Danda Chhatra Niti. This ritual is specific to Lord Jagannath and it involves the use of a staff and an umbrella.

The Mudirasta first purifies the silver umbrella, after which the Bhitarachha Mahapatra stands with the umbrella at the side of Lord Jagannath. The Palia Mekap then climbs onto the Singhasana (altar) and respectfully holds the handle of the umbrella, resembling how Hanuman would have held the staff for Lord Rama during his coronation. Following this, the Mudirasta offers prasad (blessed offering) and gadi pheta (cloth used for tying on the head) to the Lord.

The Mudirasta then performs bandapana (offering prayers), using camphor and lighted wicks, before the deity. During this time the Palia Khuntia throws white flowers on the deities and calls “Manima”. Akhanda Mekap stands with a special handle for the wick.

The Conclusion of the Night Rituals

After the Rajaniti Bandapana, the Mudirasta descends and performs the Ghasa Badia Lagi (applying sandalwood paste) and offers Dahi Pati Manohi (curd and sugar offering). The Mudirasta then ascends to the altar again and collects the prasad from the side of Lord Jagannath, before descending with the Danda Chhatra (Staff and Umbrella). After this, the other rituals take place.

The Essence of the Rituals

The Danda Chhatra Niti is a symbolic representation of respect and service. It shows the devotion and attention to detail that characterize the traditions of the Shri Jagannath Temple. These intricate rituals, along with the Bada Singhar Besha, all form an integral part of the night time activities at the temple.

Bringing the Divine Home

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Jai jagannath 😊🙏