Puri: Amid heavy rain and strong winds triggered by Cyclone Arnab, an unusual and spiritually significant sight was witnessed at Shree Jagannath Temple in Odisha’s Puri on Wednesday. The sacred Patitapabana Bana flying atop the temple developed a Shunya Ganthi, (knot formed in the flag), while hundreds of smaller devotional flags to Neelachakra were torn off and fell onto Dadhinauti, the upper circular structure of the temple’s spire.
What is the ‘Sunya Ganthi’?
According to longstanding beliefs, the appearance of a Shunya Ganthi on the Patitapabana Bana is considered an auspicious sign. The knot forms naturally when two or more flags intertwine and weave together in the open air due to high-velocity winds, typically during stormy weather, heavy rainfall or when speeds exceed certain thresholds. Since it is formed naturally in the sky, it is called Sunya Ganthi or Brahma Ganthi. Such knots, which can weigh between 5 and 10 kilograms, have become increasingly rare in recent times because flag lengths have been reduced to around 14 cubits.
In the past, when larger flags measuring 150 cubits or 51 cubits were hoisted daily, these knots occurred much more frequently, according to a sevayat.
Protective and Healing Beliefs
Devotees regard the phenomenon as a symbol of divine intervention that can avert major calamities, protect against natural disasters, planetary afflictions and malevolent forces. The development sparked discussions among devotees, many of whom expressed confidence that Lord Jagannath’s blessings would shield the region and that the cyclone would weaken without causing extensive damage. “Lord Jagannath will protect everyone. The appearance of the Shunya Ganthi indicates the cyclone will not cause further major damage,” one devotee said, voicing deep faith in the deity.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, strong winds and heavy rainfall had resulted in a 5.5 kg Sunya Ganthi at the temple, coinciding with a period of widespread turbulence across Odisha, the sevayat further stated.
Traditional beliefs also attribute miraculous properties to water washed through a Shunya Ganthi, which is historically given to expecting mothers to ease labour pains and facilitate smooth deliveries, as well as placed near newborns to guard against evil spirits and negative energies.
These sacred knots are highly sought after by devotees, finding a Sunya Ganthi has become a rare blessing, he added.
Meanwhile, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration has indicated that Chuna servitors will climb the temple structure to replace the damaged flag with a new one once weather conditions improve and it is safe to access the upper reaches.