The Abundance of Makar Sankranti: Exploring the 84 Offerings to Lord Jagannath

Makar Sankranti, a festival that marks the transition of the sun into Capricorn, is celebrated with great fervor throughout India. At the Shri Jagannath Temple in Puri, this festival takes on a special significance through the offering of the Makara Chaurashi Bhoga – 84 different dishes presented to the Lord. This ritual not only showcases the abundant culinary traditions of Odisha but also symbolizes the Lord’s care for all beings. Let’s explore the significance of this unique offering.

The Symbolism of the 84 Offerings

The text explains that Lord Jagannath is seen as the source of all energy, similar to the sun, and he is considered the protector of 8.4 million life forms. This belief is the reason behind offering 84 dishes to the Lord on Makar Sankranti. This shows how the Lord provides sustenance to all beings, and the offering is a representation of our gratitude.

The Makara Chaurashi Bhoga is a symbolic offering of a variety of food items, presented to the deities and the Digpalas (the guardian deities of the directions), with the intent that all beings will be well-nourished. The dishes, primarily made with newly harvested rice, jaggery, and other seasonal produce, reflect the prosperity associated with this time of year.

The 84 Dishes of the Makara Chaurashi Bhoga

Here’s a detailed list of the 84 items offered as part of the Makara Chaurashi Bhoga:

1. Jagannath Ballabh

2. Khaja

3. Gaja

4. Shukla Pheni

5. Mitha Pheni

6. Luni Khuruma

7. Mitha Khuruma

8. Bada Puri

9. Sana Puri

10. Kakatua Jhili

11. Bada Nadi

12. Sana Nadi

13. Kakara

14. Hansakeli

15. Chandrakanti

16. Bada

17. Nanamana

18. Basant Arisa

19. Paaga Arisa

20. Maricha Ladoo

21. Bada Khirisa

22. Kadamba

23. Mendha Mundia Khechudi

24. Netrapuri

25. Magaja Ladoo

26. Amalu

27. Dalimba

28. Manohar

29. Sara Bhaja

30. Parijataka

31. Mandua

32. Ballabha Kora

33. Gopala Ballabh

34. Amruta Rasabali

35. Suari

36. Chadhei Nanda

37. Bada Kanti

38. Matha Puli

39. Gagudi

40. Nadia Khiri

41. Bundia Khiri

42. Takua

43. Pana

44. Mahadei Khechudi

45. Mahan Bhog

46. Jena Mani

47. Suji Gaja

48. Balibamana Muga

49. Suara Pitha/Poda Pitha

50. Makhana

51. Khali Ruti

52. Kanika

53. Sadha Anna

54. Dali

55. Besara

56. Payas

57. Pura Enduri

58. Adapaakan

59. Khua Manda

60. Khaira Chula

61. Lakshmi Bilasa

62. Ghia Anna

63. Anna Rasabali

64. Ladu

65. Nadia Keli

66. Khaira Chulia

67. Moti Chula

68. Dhanusankranti Pitha

69. Panasua Ladu

70. Sara Kumpa

71. Arakha Phula

72. Kadamba

73. Khei Manda

74. Chena Pitha

75. Shrihasta Kora

76. Radha Ballabhi

77. Sadha Enduri

78. Chulia Kupada

79. Gaintha

80. Jeuta

81. Kanfuli

82. Mendha Singhia

83. Khanda Manda

84. Kanti

This list provides a window into the incredible range of offerings and the care that goes into the preparation for this occasion.

An Offering of Gratitude and Abundance

The Makara Chaurashi Bhoga is not just a display of culinary artistry; it’s a symbol of abundance, gratitude, and devotion. It reflects the devotees’ offerings to the Lord who they believe is the source of all sustenance and prosperity. This act of devotion not only pleases the Lord but also brings spiritual merit to those who participate in it.

Connecting the Divine With Your Daily Life

The message of abundance, gratitude, and love that is embodied by the Makara Chaurashi Bhoga can also be extended to the appreciation of the simple gifts of life. By adopting a similar attitude of thankfulness in our daily lives, we can also receive the Lord’s blessings.

Bringing the Spirit Home

If you are moved by the spirit of abundance and devotion of Makar Sankranti and the Makara Chaurashi Bhoga, explore the handcrafted items at justkalinga.com. With worldwide shipping, you can bring a piece of this sacred tradition into your own home.

Jai jagannath 😊🙏