Daily Rituals of Lord Jagannath: Abakasha & Sadha Besha

The Jagannath Temple in Puri follows a meticulous schedule of daily rituals, offering a glimpse into the intimate relationship between the deities and their servitors. These rituals, performed with utmost devotion and care, are an integral part of the Jagannath cult, reflecting the human-like qualities attributed to the Lord.

Abakasha Besha:

Abakasha, meaning “brushing of teeth,” is a morning ritual performed immediately after the Mangala Alati (first offering of the day). The temple priests offer three twigs of the Kumbhatua tree as toothbrushes (Danta-kastham) to Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. This symbolic act highlights the Lord’s human-like qualities and His need for daily ablutions.

The deities are then dressed in special attire known as “Tadapa” and “Uttariya” for their bathing rituals. This simple yet significant act emphasizes the importance of cleanliness and purity in the Jagannath cult.

Sadha Besha:

Sadha Besha refers to the daily dressing of the deities in colorful silk garments called “Baralagi Pata.” The colors of these garments vary according to the day of the week, corresponding to the colors associated with the planets:

Sunday: Red
Monday: White with black spots
Tuesday: Five colors (Pancharangi)
Wednesday: Sky blue
Thursday: Yellow
Friday: White
Saturday: Violet

This practice adds vibrancy to the temple atmosphere and reflects the Lord’s association with the celestial bodies. The different colors are also believed to represent various moods and aspects of the deities.

These daily rituals, performed with meticulous care and devotion, highlight the intimate relationship between the deities and their servitors. They humanize the divine, allowing devotees to connect with the Lord on a personal level. The Abakasha and Sadha Besha are not merely ceremonial acts; they are expressions of love, reverence, and the deep bond between the Lord and His devotees.

ହେ ମଣିମା

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