|| The ‘Andha Mandira Hati Prastaba’ Ritual in Srimandir ||

On the day of Bhadraba Shukla Tritiya (the third day of the bright fortnight in the month of Bhadraba), the “Andha Mandira Hati Prastaba” ritual of Mahaprabhu is performed after the Sandhya Dhupa (evening offerings). The residents of Baseli Sahi conduct this ritual.

After the completion of the Sandhya Alati (evening lamp offering), the representative deity, Ramakrishna, is brought from the Dakhini Ghara (southern chamber) to the Ratna Singhasana (the bejeweled throne). Afterwards, upon receiving the Agyanmala (garland of command) from Mahaprabhu, the deity is placed in a palanquin near the Bada Mula (the base of the great banyan tree) by the Mahajana servitors. The Bimanabadu servitors then carry the deity through the Singhadwara (Lion’s Gate) to the front of the Bada Chhata Matha (monastery). There, the deity, along with the palanquin, is placed on a cot. At this time, in the holy presence of the deity, the people of Baseli Sahi perform the “Andha Mandira Hati Prastaba.”

This ritual commemorates the memory from the Dwapara Yuga when Mahaprabhu Sri Krishna, pleased with the devotion of a blind devotee, granted him eyesight and simultaneously vanquished a powerful, frenzied elephant.

After the ritual is completed, Shitala Bhoga (a cool food offering) is offered to the deity with Pancha Upachara (five-item worship). Following this, the Bandapana (welcoming) ritual is performed, after which the deity makes the return journey (Bahuda Bije) to the Srimandir. After the Sandhya Dhupa, the “Chakshyudana Lila” (the divine play of granting eyesight to the blind) ritual is conducted inside the Srimandir.

Own a sacred portrayal of Mahaprabhu’s sight-giving divine lila.