-: || The Ghanalagi Niti at the Srimandir || :-

Today is Anasara Trayodashi. After the secret rituals in the Anavasara chamber (seclusion room), the ailing Mahaprabhu has recovered. The servitors have already conveyed this news to the Gajapati Maharaja. They have also requested him to begin preparations for the Ratha Jatra.

Today, the Ghanalagi Niti is being performed at the Srimandir. According to the tradition of the Ghanalagi ritual, the old Basunga Pata (a type of silk body-wrap) on the Mahaprabhu is removed. A new Basunga Pata, specially woven by the Patara Sevayats (temple weavers) in Mother Lakshmi’s temple, is then applied to the deities. Following this, the Srimukha Hota (a part of the facial features) will be applied to the holy body. The Daitapati servitors have been preparing for this since late last night. All these rituals will continue until late tonight.

On the other hand, to make the Mahaprabhu’s holy body strong as a thunderbolt (bajra), the divine paste known as ‘Khali Prasad’ will arrive in a procession from the house of the Shuddha Suara servitors. Along with this, the Khadi Prasad application ritual will also be held. After these rituals, the recuperating Mahaprabhu will attain Navayauvana (new youth).

According to the Niladri Mahodaya scripture, the ritual of Khali Prasad Bije (the ceremonial procession of the paste) is ordained to take place after the completion of the Phuluri Tela (medicated oil), Osha Lagi (herbal applications), Dashamula Lagi (ten-root medicine), Sarbanga Chandan (full-body sandalwood application), and Rajaprasad Bije (procession to the palace) rituals. This divine paste (khali), prepared by the Shuddha Suaras, is placed in silver bowls (pingana) and applied to the holy body (Sri Anga) by the Daitapati servitors.

Before the khali is applied, the secret ritual of Ghana Lagi is completed. Prior to this, in a secret service, the new idols are covered with a red cloth (rakta bastra). Maintaining utmost secrecy, the Daitapati and Pati Mahapatra servitors cover the deities with this red cloth using a special technique. After this, as the final step before the Navayauvana darshan, the Khali Lagi (divine paste) is applied to the holy bodies of the deities. This khali is prepared by the Shuddha Suaras in their own homes with great purity. The paste is prepared after the evening dhupa (offering) of the previous night and is then consecrated (adhivasa) at the Shuddha Suara’s residence.

For the procession of this khali, a summons, along with a party with bells (ghanta) and an umbrella (chhata), is sent from the Srimandir to the residence of the Shuddha Suara servitor. For the three deities—Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra—three servitors proceed to the Srimandir with the khali. Accompanied by the sounds of the bije kahali (processional trumpet), musical instruments, bells, and under an umbrella, the three Shuddha Suaras carry the consecrated Khali Prasad in a grand procession to the Srimandir for its application on the Mahaprabhu. Before the procession starts, women at the Shuddha Suara’s home perform bandapana (a ritual of welcome and blessing) to the pots containing the khali. As the processional trumpet sounds, the khali is brought to the temple under the protection of Barkandaz (guards). After it is handed over to the Daitapatis, the paste is applied to the holy idols at night, completing the secret service.

Today, the Khadi Prasad will also arrive in a procession from the house of the Datta Mahapatra, the Srimukha Shringara (facial decorator) servitor. After it reaches the Anavasara chamber, this Khadi Prasad will be applied to the Srimukha Hota.

Tomorrow, the Banaka Lagi ritual (the application of fresh facial colors) will be performed by the Datta Mahapatra servitors.

On the sacred day of Anasara Trayodashi, with the Lord now recovered, the final, most secret rituals begin to restore His divine youth (Navayauvana). This exquisite artwork captures the profound moments of the Ghanalagi Niti and the magnificent Khali Prasad Bije.