The ‘Kekesi Badha Prastab’ at the Srimandir

On the ‘Bhadraba Shukla Saptami’ (the seventh day of the bright fortnight in the month of Bhadraba), the ritual of ‘Kekesi Badha Prastab’ is performed in the presence of Mahaprabhu (Lord Jagannath) after the ‘Sandhya Dhupa’ (evening offering). This ritual is conducted by the people of Kalikadevi Sahi.

Today, on the day of Shukla Saptami, after the Sandhya Dhupa, the representative deity Madanmohana will be brought to the Ratna Singhasan (Bejeweled Throne). After receiving the ‘Agyanmala’ (garland of consent) from Lord Jagannath’s idol, He will proceed to a cot placed in the Nata Mandap (Dance Hall). In the Lord’s presence, the people of Kalikadevi Sahi will then perform the ‘Kekesi Badha Prastab’.

The story dates back to the Dwapara Yuga, when King Kansa sent the demon (rakshasa) Kekesi to kill Sri Krishna. The demon attempted to attack Lord Sri Krishna by assuming various forms, but Lord Sri Krishna recognized his true identity and slayed him. In commemoration of this event, a person from Kalikadevi Sahi, specially dressed as Kekesi, appears to enact the ‘Kekesi Badha Lila’ (the divine play of slaying Kekesi). Following his appearance in the Nata Mandap, the Lord’s ‘Sitala Bhoga’ (cool food offering) and ‘Bandapana’ (worship ceremony) are completed. Afterwards, the deity (Madanmohana) returns to the Dakhini Ghara (Southern Chamber).

Celebrate Krishna’s victory with this Kekesi Badha-inspired product.