Dussehra and Ayudha Puja (Weapon Worship) in the Srimandir

Today, after the completion of the Abakasha (morning ablution) ritual, sandalwood paste is applied to the three deities (Tini Bada). Following this, they are adorned with new clothes and specific ornaments, which constitutes their Rajabesha (Royal Attire). After the Gopalaballabha and Sakala Dhupa (morning food offerings) are concluded, the divine weapons, which are worshipped at the entrance of the Bhandara Ghara (temple treasury), undergo a Mahasnana (grand ritual bath) followed by a Varuna Puja.

The weapons of the three deities are then placed on three separate silver plates. Accompanied by gongs, umbrellas, and trumpets, they are carried in a procession around the temple three times. After the procession, they are brought to the inner sanctum (Bhitara Simhasana), where the weapons are placed on the three main deities.

The weapons are:

• Sri Balabhadra: Plough (Hala) and Mace (Musala) (2)

• Devi Subhadra: Tadagi (a type of ear ornament) (2)

• Sri Jagannath: Conch (Shankha) and Discus (Chakra) (2)

These weapons are kept and worshipped in the Bhandara Ghara for the last four days of the Shola Puja (16-day worship).

In the Dakshina Ghara (Southern chamber), the representative deities Madanmohan, Rama, and Krishna are dressed in Birabesha (warrior attire) in preparation to go to the Dashahara Pada (also known as Mahakhala, a designated ground). After the Aarati inside the temple is finished, Madanmohan, Rama, Krishna, and Durga Madhab (who was consecrated in the Bhandara Ghara) are brought to the throne. The Sudhasuara servitors place auspicious items for the Mangalarpana ritual before the three main deities. The Panda, Pati, and Mudirastha servitors then perform the Mangalarpana.

Following this, the Pujapanda offers five Agyanmala (garlands of consent) to the five deities (Durga, Madhab, Madanmohan, Rama, Krishna). The Mahajana servitors then carry them by hand through the Jagamohana (assembly hall). Rama and Krishna are placed in a palanquin (palinki) waiting near the sacred Banyan tree, Durga Madhab is placed on a chariot (ratha), and Madanmohan is placed on a vimana (a special palanquin).

Once the procession arrangements are complete, the Bimanabadu (palanquin bearers) carry the deities to the Mahakhalapada. Here, the Mudirastha servitor offers prasad to Rama, Krishna, and the other deities. After the Shitala Bhoga (cool food offering) and Bandapana (welcome ceremony) are completed, the return journey (Bahuda Bije) of the deities begins.

Madhab returns to the main throne, Durga returns to the Bhandara Ghara, and the other three deities (Madanmohan, Rama, and Krishna) return to the Dakshina Ghara.