The Patitapabana Flag: A Tale of Redemption and Divine Grace at Shri Jagannath Temple

 

The Shri Jagannath Temple is more than just a place of worship; it’s a haven of compassion, where divine grace often manifests in unexpected ways. The story of Uaansi and her son, Patita, offers a poignant illustration of this, revealing the mystical origins of the Patitapabana Banner (the flag of the savior of the downtrodden) that flies atop the temple’s Neelachakra.

 

Vishnusharma and Vishnupriya: A Couple’s Longing

 

In the region near Biraja Kshetra in Jajpur, there lived a Brahmin couple named Vishnusharma and Vishnupriya. Their hearts were heavy with sorrow as they were childless. They prayed to deities, yet their desires remained unfulfilled.

 

In a fit of despair, Vishnupriya threw the deities into the Vaitarani River. As she returned home, a woman from the Hadi (a marginalized community), insulted her, saying, “Oh, the unholy Brahmin woman, your face brings ill luck! May my husband be well!”

 

Feeling dejected, Vishnupriya sought advice from her priest. As advised, she prayed to Goddess Biraja and fasted until she appeared to her in a dream. Goddess Biraja assured her that her wish would be granted. In the final hours of the night, a divine light entered her womb and soon, she gave birth to a beautiful daughter on an Amavasya (new moon) night during the Mula Nakshatra, a time considered inauspicious.

 

Uaansi’s Journey of Suffering

 

They named her Malayavati, though she was often called “Uaansi” due to her birth at an inauspicious time. As she blossomed into a young woman, they struggled to find her a suitable match. By divine providence, Harirar Mishra and his wife Sumati Devi from the Dolamandap Sahi in Purushottama Kshetra (Puri) visited Biraja and were mesmerized by Uaansi. They proposed her as a bride for their son, Madhava.

 

With blessings, Vishnusharma sent his daughter to her in-law’s house. However, fate had other plans. On their wedding night, Madhava was bitten by a snake and died. Her in-laws banished her as ill-omened.

 

Back in her village, Uaansi’s suffering continued. One dark night, a wicked man took advantage of her and then left. Sometime after, she gave birth to a son. When the boy grew older, he began to question his lineage. Heartbroken and ashamed, Uaansi left her son and fled to Puri.

 

Patita’s Quest for Truth

 

At the Shri Mandir, Uaansi cried to the Lord and blamed her fate. Her son, left alone, was visited by Narada Muni, who told him that his mother was in Purushottama Kshetra, that his father was named Pabana, a man of lower caste, and that he should be called Patita. He also told him to go to Puri for the answers he seeks from Lord Jagannath.

 

The boy, Patita, reached Puri during the Rath Yatra. While thousands chanted “Hari Bol,” he entered the temple, only to be beaten and thrown out by the servitors. Seated at the Singha Dwara (Lion’s Gate), weeping, he saw a divine figure atop the Neelachakra calling out to him: “O beloved, come to me. I have awaited you. I will give you Mahaprasad and make you pure, for I am your creator.”

 

Drawn by this call, Patita scaled the Meghanada Pacherey (compound wall) and jumped into the inner courtyard, where he fell, bleeding, and breathed his last.

 

The Miraculous Manifestation of the Patitapabana Banner

 

As the servitors prepared to purify the temple, a miracle occurred. From Patita’s body, a radiant red light rose and merged with the Neelachakra. It became the red flag that we see today.

 

Uaansi witnessed her son’s demise, and cried aloud, “O Lord, why did you take my son? What have I done that I deserve this?”

 

The Lord said, “O Uaansi, I have taken your son, Patita and your husband Pabana into my heart and that will be known as the Patitapabana on my Srimandira.” He assured Uaansi that from that day forth, her son would forever be known as Patitapabana (savior of the fallen) and, along with her husband, would forever be enshrined on the Neelachakra. Anyone who takes his darshan will be free from sin, and that Lord Jagannath himself would be known by this name as well.

 

Overwhelmed by divine love, Uaansi sought release from her suffering. She asked how she could be redeemed of her past. Jagannath reassured her that he would marry her on the auspicious Akshaya Tritiya, during the Rohini Nakshatra and that is how she would gain moksha.

 

This story speaks of the Lord’s unconditional love and compassion for those who are marginalized. It highlights the fact that He is indeed the Patitapabana, the savior of all.

 

Bringing the Divine Connection Home

 

If you are touched by the profound story of Uaansi and Patita and wish to connect with the all-encompassing compassion of Lord Jagannath, explore the handcrafted items at justkalinga.com. With worldwide shipping, you can bring the sacred symbols of devotion and the blessings of Lord Jagannath into your own home.

Jai jagannath 😊🙏