Puri: Shree Jagannath Temple in Odisha’s Puri is celebrating the age-old rituals of Rakhi Purnima on Friday amid traditional fervour and enthusiasm.
In a grand display of sibling affection, servitors are ready to offer massive, sacred “Pata Rakhis” to Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra on the auspicious occasion of Gamha Purnima that coincides with Raksha Bandhan.
Falling on the full moon day of the holy Shravan month, the occasion celebrates the sacred bond between divine siblings while simultaneously marking the birthday of Lord Balabhadra.
Despite being worshipped as Daru-Brahma at the 12th century shrine, the deities observe festivals and follow rituals with the same devotion as ordinary human beings. This remarkable display of divine humility underscores the unique character of the Jagannath tradition.
On this auspicious day, Devi Subhadra, the beloved sister of Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra, tenderly ties rakhis onto her divine brothers’ arms, symbolising her love and protective blessings.
Crafted meticulously by the hereditary Patara Bisoi servitors, the giant rakhis measure around two feet in diameter and feature specially woven thread bands spanning 10 to 12 feet long. The intricate process relies on age-old traditional techniques where “Basunga” silk cloth, provided by the temple administration, is dyed in vibrant natural shades of red, yellow, blue, and violet, sun-dried, and then shredded using specialised combs before being arranged into a distinct five-layer circular structure.
According to mythological accounts, Lord Balaram was born on Gamha Purnima under the Makara Lagna of the Shravan nakshatra. This establishes him as the patron deity of agriculture and the guardian of farms. The term ‘Gamha’ is believed to derive from ‘Go-mata’, highlighting the sacred connection between Lord Balaram and cattle. As mentioned in the Harivamsa, Lord Balaram was conceived from a cow named Rohini, further strengthening his association with herds and farming life.
In keeping with this agricultural heritage, farming families across Odisha honour their wooden ploughs on this day. Devotees lovingly adorn their cattle with rakhis on their horns and place garlands around their necks. The animals are showered with treats and delicious pancakes, expressing heartfelt gratitude for their vital role in agriculture and rural life.
Apart from religious and cultural importance, Gamha Purnima holds a special place in Odisha’s martial traditions. The Paikas, the state’s revered warrior class, regarded this day as highly auspicious for initiating new combat techniques and training regimens.
At Srimandir, the birth ceremony of Lord Balabhadra is observed with great grandeur. All six idols — Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra, Sudarshan, Bhudevi and Sridevi — seated on the Ratnabedi are bejewelled with gold ornaments. The Sudha Suar servitors, assisted by the Puja Panda, Pati Mohapatra and Mudirasta, make elaborate preparations for the puja. The sacred Angyamala (order of Lord Jagannath) is offered to Sridevi, Bhudevi and Madan Mohan (the representative deities of Sri Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra) for the Jhulana rituals.
Lord Sudarshan then descends from the throne and boards the ‘chaudola’ adorned with golden garlands known as ‘Harida Mali’. The deity then proceeds to the Markandeya Pond. There, the Sudha Suara servitors craft an idol of Lord Balabhadra from wet clay. The Puja Panda chants sacred mantras to infuse life into the idol, after which bhoga is offered.
The idol is later immersed in the pond. Following this, Lord Sudarshan proceeds to three Ashrams and returns to 12th-century shrine late in the night.
