The Banner Ceremony at the Shri Mandir Today

On Jyeshtha Shukla Paksha Chaturdashi today, the Deiyatapati (priests) prepare the Senapata (banner) for Lord Jagannath.

About the Senapata:

“O King Indradyumna! You are embarking on a human-like journey. To protect your body, the Senapata is being prepared. With devotion, after a night watch, Lord’s sleep will be broken according to the prescribed rituals.”

Explanation:

Lord Jagannath, in his divine incarnation as Indradyumna, is undergoing a process of renewal. To protect his physical form (Shree Anga) during this period, a Senapata, resembling a warrior’s attire, is prepared. Devotees and followers of the Vishwa Sabha (a lineage of devotees) drape pieces of wood and red cloth firmly on Lord Jagannath’s chest and arms. Then, the entire body is covered with white and red cloth, making the Shree Anga strong and beautiful. Similarly, the Shree Anga of Balabhadra and Subhadra are also bound.

The Senapata is essentially a costume of a commander or warrior.

The Pahanadi (priest) will enter the Manima Snan Mandapa tomorrow. During this time, the Senapata acts as a shield to protect Lord Manima’s Shree Anga.

To prevent any harm to the Shree Anga, a Senapata is prepared as a separate garment called Patapatni beforehand.

A unique armor-like covering is made with Boula wood to cover the Shree Anga.

The Pati Mahapatra (chief priest) and Deiyatapati devotees meticulously prepare this special Senapata.

During the Snan Yatra (bathing procession) and Shri Gundi Cha Yatra (another procession), the Deiyatapati servants carry Lord Jagannath, and the Senapata and Bahut Kanat Neeti (another protective covering) are used to protect his Shree Anga.

The Boula wood, collected from Sakshigopal’s Bakula forest, is split into thin pieces. The Vishwakarma (divine architect) of the Shri Mandir prepares the Bahut and Senapata from this wood.

On this day, the daily rituals are performed, starting from the morning Dhupa (incense) to the large Singhara Dhupa. Puja is performed with incense smoke. The remaining ritual is the Pahud Aarti (prayer with lamps).

After the Pahud Aarti, Madan Mohan and Shri Devi are taken to the Dakshini Ghar (south-facing house), and Bhudevi and Madhav are taken to the Khatashejya Ghar (bedchamber).

“As the grand Snana Yatra approaches, the Daitapati servitors perform the sacred Senapata Lagi, meticulously crafting a divine armor to protect the Shree Anga of Mahaprabhu. This act of profound love ensures the Lord is safe during His divine bathing festival. Prepare your own home for this auspicious occasion with JustKalinga.com. Discover authentic Pattachitra depicting the Snana Yatra, sacred Khandua silk, and puja essentials to celebrate the Lord’s grand bath with full devotion.”