Seven Paths to Divine Offering: The Diverse Manohi of Lord Jagannath

The Shri Jagannath Temple in Puri, a vibrant hub of spirituality, is known for its unique practices and deeply rooted traditions. Among these, the practice of offering bhoga (food) to the Lord with utmost devotion, known as Manohi, is especially significant. This blog post will explore the seven types of Manohi at Shri Jagannath Temple, emphasizing their unique characteristics and symbolic importance.

The Essence of Manohi

The text explains that Manohi is the act of offering bhoga to the Lord with sincere devotion. At the Shri Jagannath temple, while each type of offering is categorized as “Prasad,” there are 7 unique ways in which the offering is made. Each of these types of Manohi reflect the deep and diverse expressions of love, service, and respect for the Lord.

The Seven Types of Manohi

1. Amruta Manohi: This is the offering done at the Ratna Singhasana (jeweled throne) using shodashopachara (sixteen steps of worship) or at the Bhog Mandap using panchopachara (five steps of worship). After the offering, this food is considered Mahaprasad. It is called Amruta as the Mahajanas receive it as divine nectar and also refer to it as Sankhudi Manohi.

2. Shitala Manohi: This type of offering is the serving of fruits, dry snacks like khai, kora and similar items. Shitala Manohi is offered at the Shri Mandir, the Shri Gundicha Mandir, and on the chariots during Rath Yatra. It is believed that even when the Lord was in exile during times of invasions, this Shitala Manohi was offered to him.

3. Sarpa Manohi: The term Sarpa refers to Kundalini Shakti (spiritual energy), and Lord Jagannath is the embodiment of this energy in both its form and formless nature. The Sarpa Manohi is an offering made to the Lord while displaying the Kundalini Mudra (a hand gesture to represent the awakened Kundalini). This type of Manohi is performed during Adapa Mandapa, on the chariots, the Badadanda (the grand road), and at the Jagamohan. The Poda Pitha Bhog on the Badadanda during Rath Yatra is also part of the Sarpa Manohi.

4. Chakra Manohi: The Neelachakra (blue wheel) atop the Shri Jagannath Temple is considered a representation of Shri Chakra Raja. This Manohi is offered with great devotion. Those who cannot reach the temple offer this from afar. In ancient times, it was offered to the Lord on the Puri highway. This type of devotion is an essential part of the Oriya culture, even today.

5. Bimbali Manohi: This offering is made to Devi Bimala, who resides in the southwestern part of the outer compound. She is considered to be the consort of Lord Jagannath in tantric traditions, and is known as a bhairavi form. The Bimbali Manohi (another name of Bimala in Odiya) usually consists of simple, cooling food and is offered for 3 days during the Sharadiya Puja, and shitala bhoga on other days.

6. Ashoka Manohi: This offering is made at the shrine of Lord Lokanath, who guards the treasury at Shri Mandir. Lord Lokanath visits the Jagannath Ballabh Math on the day of Ashokashtami, and the offering made to him is called Ashoka Manohi. This Manohi highlights the worship of both Hari and Hara on Ashokashtami and also represents freedom from sorrow.

7. Bira Manohi: This offering is associated with King Kapilendra Deva. It is said he started the tradition after returning victorious from battle against the Vijayanagar kingdom. The Bira Manohi is a celebration of victory, where a feast is offered to the people as an expression of gratitude and triumph. In the past, it was offered at Puri or Barabati Fort in Cuttack and today, it is more like a community feast.

A Spectrum of Devotional Expressions

These diverse types of Manohi reflect the many ways in which devotees express their love and devotion to Lord Jagannath. Each type of offering is unique, representing the myriad of paths that lead to the divine.

Bringing Devotion Home

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Jai jagannath