The Divine Origin of the Patitapabana Banner

The Shri Jagannath Temple in Puri is not merely a place of worship; it’s a sacred abode where divine grace often manifests in unexpected ways. The story of Uaansi and her son, Patita, provides a poignant example of this, revealing the mystical origins of the Patitapabana Banner (the flag of the savior of the downtrodden) that proudly flies atop the temple’s Neelachakra.

A Couple’s Longing and a Divine Intervention

Vishnusharma and Vishnupriya, a childless Brahmin couple from near Biraja Kshetra, turned to faith for solace. In a moment of despair, Vishnupriya cast the deities into the Vaitarani River. As fate would have it, a woman from a marginalized community insulted her, triggering a chain of events that would lead to a divine intervention.

Seeking solace, Vishnupriya prayed to Goddess Biraja and was blessed with a daughter, Uaansi, born under inauspicious circumstances. Despite her difficult birth, Uaansi grew into a beautiful woman and was married to Madhava. However, tragedy struck when Madhava passed away, leaving Uaansi ostracized and alone.

A Son’s Quest and a Divine Encounter

Uaansi gave birth to a son, Patita, who, like his mother, faced societal prejudice. Seeking answers, Patita journeyed to Puri and, driven by divine destiny, entered the sacred precincts of the Shri Mandir. Despite being rejected and injured, Patita’s unwavering devotion touched the divine.

As Patita lay dying, a radiant light emanated from his body and merged with the Neelachakra, transforming it into the sacred Patitapabana Banner. This miraculous event symbolized the Lord’s acceptance of the marginalized and His promise to uplift the fallen.

A Divine Union and Eternal Love

Uaansi, grief-stricken by her son’s demise, sought solace from the Lord. In a divine revelation, Lord Jagannath assured her that Patita and his father, Pabana, would forever be enshrined on the Neelachakra. He also promised to marry her on Akshaya Tritiya, granting her eternal salvation.

The story of Uaansi and Patita is a testament to the Lord’s boundless compassion and His unwavering love for all beings, irrespective of their social status or past mistakes. The Patitapabana Banner serves as a constant reminder of this divine grace and invites us to embrace the spirit of inclusivity and compassion.

Want to bring the blessings of Mahaprabhu Jagannath into your life? Visit JustKalinga.com to explore a curated collection of murtis, puja items, and other sacred offerings that will deepen your connection with the divine.