Ekadashi at Sri Mandir – The Tradition of Applying Chandan and Dashamool Modak

 👉 Today, on the holy Ekadashi, the tradition at Sri Mandir is followed to apply full-body sandalwood paste on Sriji’s body and to offer Dashamool Modak, according to custom.

👉 Sriji is undergoing a process of healing during the Purnima occasion by taking 108 rounds of water bath. Through this Lila (divine play), He is afflicted by fever and is temporarily moved from the bath platform to the Ansar Griha (a special enclosure) for 15 days.

👉 Yesterday, on Anasar Dashami, Chandan (sandalwood) was prepared from Chandan wood provided by the Raghav Das Math and the Sri Mandir administration. The workers then arranged it in the Garad house.

👉 In the Dakshina Ghara (South House), camphor, kusa grass, musk, kumkum, and bota (a type of flower) are mixed with sandalwood. The Daita (priestess) and Pati Mahapatra (male priest) carry this fragrant substance to the Ansar Griha and apply it on Sriji’s body in three tiers.

👉 The Hhadap Naik (a priest) performs the ritual and 22 handis (clay pots) of Khai (a type of sweet), Kora, Kadali (plantain), Ponsa (jackfruit), Amba (mango), etc., provided by the Raghav Das Math are offered.

👉 When the full-body sandalwood paste is being applied, the Palia Khuntia Mani Maa (a devotee) rings the bell.

👉 Yesterday, the Sri Mandir’s Raj വൈദ്യ (royal physician) and attendants prepared Dashamool Modak according to Ayurvedic methods and scriptures, and it was kept in a Talapatra Bhoge (a leaf plate) and brought to the Garad house.

👉 This Dashamool Modak is offered to the Lord today.

👉 Since the Lord is well, the puja (worship) in the Ansar Griha begins today from Ekadashi onwards with the ringing of the bell during the Naivedya (offering) and the falling of Tulsi leaves for the offering.

👉 After the completion of the Niti (evening ritual) at night, the Khali (a mixture of wood powder and other ingredients) is applied on Sriji’s body, provided by purified Suar. Gaha gumda (a type of flour) is ground and filtered through a white cloth to prepare Khali. Similarly, a Khadi (a powder made from conch shells) is prepared by crushing the conch shell and its ash is used for application on Sriji’s body to enhance His beauty. This is called Khali Lagi in the language of Sri Mandir.

Step into the sacred silence of the Anasar Griha with this exclusive piece. On the holy day of Ekadashi, when Lord Jagannath heals in seclusion, a series of profound rituals unfold. This artwork captures that divine moment: the Phuluri Seva, where the Lord’s form is anointed with a fragrant, cooling sandalwood paste, and the offering of the sacred Dashamool Modak, the herbal remedy prepared by the royal physicians.