Bhubaneswar: Thousands of devotees thronged Odisha’s pilgrim town of Puri as Panchuka, the last five days of holy month Kartika, began on Thursday.
It is a practice among Odias to give up non-vegetarian food during Kartika month. Those who cannot observe it for the entire month, give up eating non-vegetarian food on these last five days, which is also known as Bagарanchuka, the period during which it is said, even cranes turn pious and abandon eating fish.
During this five-day period, which begins with Bada Ekadashi and ends on Kartika Purnima, devotees of Lord Jagannath observe fasting. An estimated 80,000 to one lakh devotees visit Puri daily during this month, and the number increase further during Panchuka. Commercial activities from Lions Gate to Market Square have been suspended for the final five days of Kartik and the length of barricades along the Bada Danda is being increased to accommodate the expected surge of devotees. Forty platoons of police personnel have been deployed to manage the crowd during this period and three temporary toilet systems set up near the temple administrative office.
Furthermore, 50 volunteers have been engaged by the temple administration to assist the elderly, differently-abled, and those facing health issues while standing in queues. Drinking water supply facilities have been strategically placed to cater to the needs of the pilgrims.
Panchuka Rituals & Legends
“These five days are also known as Bhishmapachuka. Childless couples observe Bhishma Vrata and give offerings in form of water (argya),” said Jagannath Culture scholar Prafulla Rath.
On Ekadasi, people light 1 lakh lamps and do parikrama of Jagannath Temple in Puri. “This also marks the beginning of the auspicious period when weddings and thread ceremonies can be conducted. Ekadasi belongs to Vishnu and Chaturdasi to Shiva,” he said.
Rath further said that the last day of Panchuka is also called Tripurari Purnima, it was on this day that Lord Shiva vanquished Tripurasuras. It is also the birthday of Vrundavati.
“Though Ravana was killed on Bijayadasami, he breathed his last after 35 days on Kartika Purnima,” he said.
Lord Jagannath gives darshan to the devotees in Rajarajeswar Bhesa on this day, he averred.
“Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of a fish to save the four Vedas from the clutches of the demons and save Manu from the Jal Pralay on Kartika Purnima,” he informed.
These preceding five days are the preparatory phase for the advent of ‘Matsya Avatar’, he added.
“Habisa arna (food of the gods) and having meal once a day are the other important features of Kartika month when people take bath early in the morning,” he said.
People are also barred from cutting crops, trees and plucking flowers and fruits, he said, adding that this is also applicable for nails and hair. “The aim is to lead a Swastik life in harmony with nature. Married couples are also asked to refrain from physical intimacy during this period,” he said.
Kartika Purnima, when people sail boats made of banana plant barks/stems with coconut, bottle nut, chandan (sandalwood) and diya (lamp) in rivers, is an amalgamation of all these occasions and hence, considered the holiest month, he added.
Worshipping Vrundavati
During these five days, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Narayan are worshipped. Married women also worship Goddess Vrundavati, the wife of the demon Jalandhara, in the form of the sacred tulsi plant, praying for the long life of their husbands.
According to popular belief, the chastity and purity of Vrundavati sustained the life of her husband, who didn’t follow any dharma. Thus by propitiating Vґundavati, women believe that they can acquire the same merit.
Muruja is essential during this puja. Patterns are drawn on the floor in front of Tulsi Chaura. The white powder is obtained by grinding stones, green powder from dry leaves, black from burnt coconut shells, yellow from the petals of marigold flowers or turmeric and red from red clay or bricks. Devotees, who observe a month-long Kartika Brata, do not use black colour during Panchuka.
Lord Jagannath Beshas
Lord Jagannath is adorned in different Bhesa (attires) on all the five days. He is adorned in the form of Laxminarayan on the first day, followed by Bankachuda Bhesa, Tribikrama Bhesa and Laxminrusingha Bhesa. The last day of Panchuka is very crucial as the Lord gives darshan to the devotees in Rajarajeswar Bhesa.
Bada Osha At Dhabaleswar
The district administration has made special arrangements for Bada Osha of Lord Shiva at Dhabaleswar temple on Saturday. ‘Gaja Bhoga’ and ‘Tarana’ will be offered to the Lord amid ‘Trayodashi’ and ‘Chaturdashi’ tithis.
On the first day of Panchuka, Lord Dhabaleswar will give darshan to the devotees in ‘Chandramauli’ attire.
