|| Today, Badi Nrusingha Bijé in Srimandir || :-

Unique is our Jagannath consciousness and culture. Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath performs various human-like divine plays (Lilas) in this Srikhetra (Puri). Certain rituals (Niti) and traditions (Parampara) of Mahaprabhu are associated with every calamity that befalls human society. That is why it is described in the scriptures (Shastras):

“ Hiraṇyakaśipuṁ hatvā devadevaṁ jagadguruṁ|
Sukhāsīnaṁ tadutsaṅge śāntakopaṁ ramāpatim||”
(This verse refers to Lord Narasimha, the guru of the universe and lord of gods, having killed Hiranyakashipu, sitting peacefully with Lakshmi on his lap, his anger subsided.)

To counteract epidemics (Mahamari), there is a unique tradition in the Srimandir called “Badi Nrusingha Bijé”. Every year on the Chaturthi tithi (fourth lunar day) of the Chaitra month, Badi Nrusingha proceeds (Bijé) from the Srimandir on a city circumambulation (Nagar Parikrama) to the four Ashramas, bringing welfare to the world (Jagat Kalyan). Besides this, Badi Nrusingha also proceeds (Bijé) every year on the day before Pandu Purnima.

Today, on the sacred Shukla Chaturthi tithi of the Chaitra month, after the Madhyahna Dhupa (midday offering ritual) concludes in the Srimandir, Nrusingha proceeds (Bijé) from the Dakshini Ghara (Southern chamber), receives the Ajnamala (garland of command), and is seated (adhisthita) in the Vimana (a special palanquin) located beneath the Jhulan Mandap (also known as Mukti Mandap). For the ritual, the Parbajatra Jogania servitor supplies the necessary items, and the Mahajana (Pushpalaka sevak – a specific category of servitor) places Nrusingha onto the Vimana.

After this, the Vimana Badu servitors carry the Vimana on their shoulders (skandha) out through the Singhadwar (Lion’s Gate) and proceed to the four traditional Ashramas associated with sages: Markanda, Angira, Kandu, and Bhrugu. At the four Ashramas, Shitala Bhoga (cool offerings) are offered by the Pujapanda servitors. During the procession (Bijé) on this day, Panti Bhoga (offerings made along the route) are made at approximately 42 locations by various Maths (monasteries), Jagas, Akhedas (traditional gymnasiums/community centres), and individuals in the city. Thereafter, Nrusingha makes the return journey (Bahuda Bijé) to the Srimandir.

” Trābhi Viṣṇu Jagannātha pāṇḍurūpa namostute |
Narasiṁha mahāvīrya trāhimāṁ dīpta locana ||”
(A prayer seeking protection from Vishnu, Jagannath, and the fierce, bright-eyed Narasimha.)

There is a noble purpose behind the Badi Nrusingha Bijé ritual. Whenever human society is afflicted by an epidemic, Mahaprabhu himself provides the remedy (nirakarana). Historical records show that during 1903-1905 AD, there was a severe epidemic in the country; people were dying like insects (“poka machhi pari” – idiomatic expression). To bring it under control, the then Deula Commander (a temple administrative official) summoned some Pandits (scholars/priests) and took refuge (sharan pashithile) in Mahaprabhu, seeking the eradication (nirakarana) of this epidemic. It was during this time that the tradition of Badi Nrusingha Bijé began. After Mahaprabhu proceeded through the city (Nagar Bijé) in the form of Badi Nrusingha, the epidemic was brought under control. Since then, this ritual is still observed today.

As it is said, history always repeats itself. Similarly, today the world is afflicted by a pandemic. Many lives have already been lost in this pandemic. For the welfare of the world (Jagatara Kalyana), for the prevention/cure (nibarana) of this pandemic, we pray at the holy feet (Shricharane) of Shri Nrusingha Mahaprabhu.

” Sarbe hoibe ekākāra
Nathiba bedara bichāra
Sarbe hoiṇa eka mukha
Ḍākibe he Nārāyaṇa rakha “

“How does Puri’s Srimandir address world crises like epidemics? Discover the powerful ‘Badi Nrusingha Bijé’, a unique procession where Mahaprabhu offers protection and welfare for all. Learn its fascinating history, born from need, and find solace in timeless traditions. Explore the depths of Jagannath culture at JustKahttps://justkalinga.com/linga.com.”