The Lord’s Journey to the Sea: The Amavasya Narayana Sagar Bije Niti

On the sacred day of the new moon, Amavasya, a unique tradition unfolds at the Shri Jagannath Temple in Puri – the Narayana Sagar Bije Niti. This ritual involves taking a representation of Lord Narayana to the sea, a journey that symbolizes the divine connection between the Lord and the cosmos. Let’s delve into this sacred ritual, drawing from the Niladri Mahodaya and exploring its mystical significance.

The Ritual at Dawn

After the morning dhupa (offering), the Mahajana servitors bring the Narayana idol from the south wing of the temple to the Ratna Singhasana (the jeweled throne). There, the Palia Pujapanda servitor offers the Lord’s Aagyan Mala (a garland signifying permission).

After this blessing, the Mahajana servitors place Lord Narayana on a palanquin near the Mukti Mandap (liberation hall). They then carry the palanquin, accompanied by the sounds of the ghanta (bells), chhatra (umbrellas), and kahali (horns), through the Singha Dwara (Lion’s Gate) and down the Balisahi road towards Swargadwar by the sea.

The Offering at the Sea Shore

Once they reach the seashore, the Garabadu servitors fetch water from the ocean and give it to the Pujapanda. The Pujapanda then sanctifies the water and offers it to the deity. The Sabata Niyoga servitors offer pana bhoga (a sweet drink) to the Lord. Aarati (waving of lamps) and bandapana (offering prayer) are then performed.

The Journey to the Temple of Lord Yameshwar

After the sea ritual, Lord Narayana is taken on a palanquin to the Gambhira (inner sanctum) of Lord Yameshwar Mahadev. The deity is bathed with curd and panchamrita (a mixture of five auspicious substances), and then receives offerings of khai (puffed rice) and kora (coconut gratings). The servitors also perform bandapana here.

Finally, Lord Narayana is carried back to the Shri Mandir through the Harachandi Sahi and Manikarnika Sahi, returning through the Singha Dwara.

Scriptural Insights from the Niladri Mahodaya

The Niladri Mahodaya provides a detailed framework for the Amavasya Narayana Sagar Bije Niti:

“Amavasyadine Vishnoh pratah pujaavasanatah,
Narayana pratikrutim devaagre sthapayed budhah.”

(On the new moon day, after completing the morning worship, the wise should place two representations of Narayana before the Lord).

“Tatah samprarthayed devang bhagavantam Janardanam,
Aagyaapaya Mahabaho Tirtharajantika punah.”

• (Then, they should pray to Lord Janardana, “O Mahabahu, give permission to visit the ocean shore.”)*

“Samagamaya shabdasya pratyarcham prati samprati
Ityucharya devamaalam devanganam samarpayet.”

• (Reciting these words before the moving image, the devotee should offer the aagya mala (garland of permission) ).*

“Aadesh maala sangruhyaa dathwa chaneeyatam punah,
Mahebharadanodbhute yaane divye niveshayeth.”

• (After receiving the Agya Mala, the representative image should be placed on a divine palanquin made of ivory.)*

“Chatrachamara vadyadisphuradutsava sanyutam
Patakakula sanyuktam tirtharaj tatam punah”

• (The palanquin, adorned with flags, umbrellas, chamara fans and musical instruments should then be carried to the ocean.)*

“Swarnavetradharah shriman puro gachchan mahotsavam,
Tada pratinidhih kuryad geet nrutyadi bhibhir hareh.”

• (The king’s representative holding the golden staff should lead the procession which should be accompanied by chanting and dancing.)*

“Tirtharajodakais tatra Narayanamatah param,
Kushairashtaksharenaiwa chaarachyeyad vai trivaratah.”

• (At the ocean, Lord Narayana should be bathed three times with the ocean water, reciting the eight-syllable mantra.)*

“Tato yameshwarasyapi shivasya niliyaantikam,
Nitwaa tatraiva samsthapy pujayed snana purvakam.”

(Then, the deity should be brought near the temple of Yameshwar Mahadev, where they will be bathed and worshiped.)

“Panchopacharvidhinaa pujaante nrupa satthamah,
Bandapanam tatah kuryat prasadam prati tam nayet.”

(After completing the Panchopachara Puja, bandapana should be completed, and the deity should be brought back to the temple)

These scriptural verses provide the guidelines for this practice.

A Symbolic Journey

This journey to the sea and back, while seemingly simple, carries profound symbolic significance, representing the continuous flow of divine energy from the cosmic to the earthly and back. It is a time to remember that the Lord is not limited to the four walls of the temple, but is present in all of nature, including the ocean.

Bringing the Ocean’s Grace Home

If you are touched by this sacred journey of Lord Narayana and the devotion it inspires, explore the handcrafted items at justkalinga.com. With worldwide shipping, you can bring a piece of this divine tradition into your own home.

 

Jai jagannath 😊🙏