ll Today, the Saptapuri Taada makes its sacred procession to the Sri Mandir ll

Tomorrow is Saptapuri Amavasya in the Sri Mandir. For this occasion, as per the Swattwalipi (Record of Rights) of the Sri Mandir, the Saptapuri Amavasya Taada (a special earthen container) is brought in a ceremonial procession from the temple of Maa Alamchandi, located at Atharanala, to the Sri Mandir.

After the Madhyahna Dhupa (midday offering) is completed, the Kumbhakara (potter) servitors, wearing new clothes, proceed from the Sri Mandir to the Alamchandi temple at Atharanala with ceremonial accompaniments of Ghanta (bells), Chhata (umbrellas), and Kahali (trumpets) to receive the Saptapuri. There, four Taadas, previously prepared by the Kumbhakara servitors, are placed before the Goddess. After a Shitala Bhoga (cool food offering) is made to Maa Alamchandi, the patron deity of the Kumbhakara Nijoga (potters’ guild), the Kumbhakara servitors perform Bandapana (a ritual of worship) for the four Taadas.

Once the Bandapana is complete, the ceremonial trumpets (Bije Kahali) are sounded, and the Taadas begin their sacred journey to the Sri Mandir. One Taada each for Lord Balabhadra (Badathakura), Devi Subhadra, and Mahaprabhu Jagannath, along with one additional Taada, are brought to the Sri Mandir. The Kumbhakara servitors carry these Taadas with a cloth (Baghatundi) tied over their mouths.

After circumambulating the temple premises (Bedha) once, the Taadas are placed at the Rosha Beharana (a designated place near the temple kitchen). After the Sandhya Dhupa (evening offering), a Pujapanda servitor takes the Agyanmala (garland of command) from the deity and proceeds to the Dakshinakali temple with bells, umbrellas, and trumpets. The servitor of Goddess Dakshinakali receives the Agyanmala from him and comes to the Sri Mandir. Entering through the Singhadwara (the Lion’s Gate), he places the Agyanmala near the outer side of the Roshadwara (the kitchen gate), facing the kitchen. Following this, other rituals will proceed.

Brahma Uvacha (Brahma Said):

Trayodaśyāṁ tithau rājannācāryo jagatāṁ pateḥ |
Tṛtīyakālapūjāṁ ca kuryātparamabhaktitaṁ || 1 ||

Brahma said: O King! On the Trayodashi (13th) tithi, the Acharya (chief priest) should perform the third-period worship (Tritiya Kala Puja) of the Lord of the Worlds (Jagannath) with utmost devotion. (1)

Tadante jagadīśāṅgādājñāmālāṁ sumañjulām |
Ghaṇṭānāṁ marddalānāṁ ca kāhālakāṁsyatālayoḥ || 2 ||
Niḥsvane jāyamāne’tha chatracāmarajṛmbhaṇe |
Mahotsavatayā tāṁ tu gṛhītvā kālikāntikam || 3 ||

Thereafter, taking the beautiful Agyanmala (garland of command) from the body of the Lord of the Universe, one should proceed to the presence of Goddess Kalika amidst a grand celebration, with the resounding sounds of bells, mardala (drums), kahali (trumpets), and cymbals, and with the display of ceremonial umbrellas (chhatra) and whisks (chamara). (2-3)

Gacchettatra tadā kālīṁ prārthayennṛpasattama |
Kālarātri namastubhyaṁ sarvavighnavināśini || 4 ||

O best of kings! Upon reaching there, one should pray to Goddess Kali: “O Kalaratri! O destroyer of all obstacles! Salutations to you.” (4)

Tvaṁ viṣṇuvallabhā nityamājñāṁ kuru jagatpateḥ |
Pākaśālāṁ samāgaccha śrīghramevaṁ śubhe’dhunā || 5 ||

“You are eternally the beloved of Vishnu. By the command of the Lord of the Universe, please come quickly to the kitchen at this auspicious time.” (5)

Amāvāsyādaniṁ prāpya naivedye vighnanāśini |
Tatparā bhava he māta namastubhyaṁ sureśvari || 6 ||

“O destroyer of obstacles! On the upcoming day of Amavasya (New Moon), please be attentive to the preparation of the Naivedya (sacred food offering). O Mother! O Sureshwari (Queen of the Gods)! I bow to you.” (6)

Ityuccārya ca tāṁ mālāṁ kālarātriṁ samarpayet |
Tasyā mālāṁ samānīya pākaśālāntare punaḥ || 7 ||

Having uttered this prayer, one should offer the said garland to Kalaratri. Then, bringing that same garland back, it should be placed in a designated spot inside the kitchen. (7) 🙏❤️