|| Pandu Nrusingha ||

“Om Tababhuta Rupam Drustva Bhaye Kampe Sunashiram.
Bhayamcha Devatam Sarve Narasimha Namostute.”

(Salutations to Lord Narasimha; seeing Your terrifying form makes Indra tremble in fear, and all the deities are struck with awe.)

On the occasion of Margashira Purnima or Pandu Purnima, the “Chari Ashrama Bije” (procession to the four hermitages) festival of Pandu Nrusingha takes place. Today, after the completion of the Morning Dhupa (offering), the Palia Pushpalaka servitors perform the Mailama (changing of clothes) and dressing rituals on the Ratna Simhasana. At this time, a garland is offered to Lord Jagannath.

After the conclusion of the Mid-day Dhupa rituals and the offering at the Dakshini Ghara (South Room), the Mahajana servitors bring Pandu Nrusingha from the South Room to the inner throne (Bhitara Simhasana). There, after the Pujapanda offers the Angyamala (garland of permission) to Nrusingha, the deity is carried in a Vimana (palanquin) located under the Jhulana Mandap, through the Singhadwara (Lion’s Gate), to the four hermitages situated in Shrikshetra (Puri): Angira, Kandu, Bhrugu, and Markanda Ashrams. After Shitala Bhoga (cool food offering) and Bandapana (ceremonial greeting) are performed there, Pandu Nrusingha returns to the temple.

Historical Significance:
In the past, to eradicate a great calamity and epidemic, the Gajapati King of the Surya Dynasty, Sri Purushottama Deva, had the deity tour the city to restore peace and subsequently established Him at the Beherana Mandap (near the South Room) inside the Srimandir. On Shravana Shukla Navami and the day before Pandu Purnima, Badi Nrusingha visits the four ashrams.

Mantra:
Om Dam Dam Dam Daru Dandam Ratabi
Ratarata Brahmadandam Pradandam.
Dimpi Dimpi Didimpi Dahasika Dahasa
Jhanka Jhankara Ghoram.
Tulyam Tulyam Tatulyam Dasha Nakha
Nakhakam Shanka Shankaksha Kaksham.
Shankaksham Vadyanadam Raha Raha
Ruruha Patumam Narasimham.

The Legend of Kandu Ashram:
The ‘Kandu Ashram’ is one of these four hermitages. The legend of Sage Kandu is found in the Valmiki Ramayana, Brahma Purana, and Vishnu Purana. He built a hermitage on the banks of the Gomati River and performed severe penance there. This included staying amidst the Panchagni (five fires) during summer and immersing himself in cold water during winter.

Fearing his penance, Devaraja Indra sent an Apsara named Pramlocha to break his meditation. Pramlocha made many efforts and succeeded in breaking the sage’s penance. Kandu, using the power of his penance, reduced his age to 16 years and