Puri: A day after Suna Besha when the sibling deities of Shree Jagannath Temple in Odisha’s Puri glittered in golden attire, huge pots filled with a sweet drink are carried onto the three chariots as offerings.
This interesting ritual of Adhara Pana, which literally translates as Adhara – Lip and Pana – Juice, is performed on Asadha Sukla Pakhya Dwadashi.
During the ritual, the terracotta pots are placed on each chariot parked near the Lion Gate’s of the 12th-century shrine. These reach up to the Lords’ lips.
As per the ritual, Pania Apata Sevakas will bring water from a well near Chhauni Matha near Singha Dwara in Puri. The Supakaras will prepare the Pana with milk cream, cheese, sugar, banana, camphor, nutmeg, black pepper and other such spices. The Patribadu, Suarabadu, Garabadu Palia Sevaka and Pujapanda Sevaka will offer the Pana to the Deities.
These are then broken to liberate the souls/spirits and other invisible beings residing in the chariots.
The refreshment is only for the Gods and Goddesses, who stayed on the chariots during Rath Yatra to guard Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra and Lord Balabhadra which is why they are known as ‘Rath Rakhyak’. Devotees are forbidden to partake it.
The potters maintain utmost hygiene and follow food restrictions while preparing these pots. Women are not allowed to touch these pots.
Usually, Adhara Pana is offered after Madhyahna Dhupa (noon-meal), which is followed by Sodasha Upachara Puja (16 types of worship).
