|| Ghoda Adhibasa in Srimandir ||

Today, on the occasion of Margasira Sukla Panchami (the 5th day of the bright fortnight of the month of Margasira), the ‘Ghoda Adhibasa’ (Sanctification of Winter Garments) ritual of Mahaprabhu is being observed.

Today, after the completion of Mahaprabhu’s Badasinghara Bhoga (the late-night food offering), the Puja Pandas will perform the Adhibasa (consecration/sanctification) of the winter garments (Ghoda) for the Deities inside the Bhoga Mandapa. Following this, the Deities will undergo Mailama (changing of clothes), followed by the Mahasnana (Grand Bath) policy. Afterward, the Deities will be adorned in Jhin Phatani (fine silk/cloth).

Tonight, Mahaprabhu symbolically battles against the Winter Season. However, to uphold the honor of Winter, the Lord Himself will accept defeat and agree to wear warm clothes. For the next two months—from Margasira Sukla Sasthi until Magha Sukla Panchami—Mahaprabhu will be adorned in the Ghoda Lagi Besha (Winter Clothing Attire). Glory to Mahaprabhu and His divine play (Leela).

The Mythological Context:
With the rotation of the seasonal cycle, the winter season has arrived. The days are growing shorter, and the nights are becoming longer. However, what authority does winter have before the Lord seated on the Ratnasimhasana? Initially ignoring the cold, Mahaprabhu wears thin Jhin cloth (fine fabric) instead of the heavy Khandua Pata silk during the Badasinghara Besha.

Seeing this, the Winter Season pleads at the Lord’s lotus feet: “Oh Mahaprabhu! Oh, my Creator! If You deny my existence, why will the people of earth accept me? What significance will I have?” Hearing this, Mahaprabhu comforts Winter and orders the Ghoda Adhibasa to protect Himself from the cold.

Scriptural Verse:
“Shuklayamatha panchamyam chaturthyarchavasanatah.
Chaturbishatibhirdevamupacharaihsthu pujayet.”

The Lord’s Condition to Winter:
“The Lord said to Winter: Listen to my words.
Do not torment the ascetics, the sorrowful, the poor, and the homeless.
If you spare them, only then will I wear the Ghoda (Winter Robes).
And I will admit defeat to you for all time.”

Significance of Adhibasa:
In the culture of Lord Jagannath, Adhibasa holds special significance. During the twelve festivals (Dwadasha Yatra), whenever special clothes, water for coronation, or sandalwood paste are to be offered to the Lord, they are first consecrated with mantras to multiply their purity. This serves as a symbolic prelude to the special festival, announced in the presence of the Lord.

Ritual Details for Today:
Today, on Panchami, after the Lord’s night Chandan Lagi ritual is completed, the Bhoga Mandapa is washed and a canopy is raised. Inside, the Puja Panda draws three Mandalas (sacred diagrams). The Bhandara Mekapa places the garments on these for the Ghoda Adhibasa. After the Puja Panda performs the Adhibasa rituals, the doors are sealed.

A total of 12 sets of Winter Garments (Ghodas) are sanctified—including those for the Quadruple Deities (Chaturdha Murti), as well as Goddess Vimala, Goddess Lakshmi, Madanmohan, Sridevi, and Bhudevi. Subsequently, the doors of the Bhoga Mandapa are closed and sealed with mud.

Today, the Badasinghara Besha takes place twice. After the Besha is completed, the Deities are changed (Mailama) and dressed in Jhin Phatani. Following this, in a procession featuring the Puja Panda, Pati Mohapatra, Mudirasta, and bearers of the bell, umbrella, and Kahali, sandalwood paste is brought from the Ghatuari house to perform the Sarbanga Chandan (full body sandalwood application). finally, after the Bidia Manohi (betel offering), the Pahuda (sleeping ritual) takes place.