Puri: The unique ‘Adhara Pana’ ritual was performed on Thursday as Lord Jagannath and siblings relished a special sweet drink on their respective chariots near the Simghadwar of the the 12th century shrine in Odisha’s Puri.
The ritual, a significant part of the world-famous Rath Yatra, was performed ahead of the Trinity’s return to the sanctum sanctorum of Shree Jagannath Temple scheduled on Friday.
During the ritual, held a day after Suna Besha when the sibling deities glittered in golden attire, huge pots filled with a sweet drink are carried onto the three majestic chariots as offerings.
This unique tradition drew lakhs of devotees, who witnessed the event with devotion and enthusiasm.
Observed on Asadha Shukla Pakshya Dwadashi Tithi, ‘Adhara Pana’ takes place before the ‘Niladree Bije’ and after the ‘Suna Besha’. The term ‘Adhara Pana’ translates to the offering of a sweet drink to the deities in pots that touch their lips. The earthen pots are broken after the offering.
The sibling deities receive a sweet drink from three large cylindrical earthen pots each on their respective chariots. Notably, this sacred offering is not consumed by any devotees. Experts in Jagannath culture explain that the sweet ‘pana’ is intended for the ‘spirits’ surrounding the chariots.
As per age-old tradition, potters from Kumbharpada craft the pots, and the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Raghab Das Mutt, and Bada Odia Mutt arrange them.
Water is sourced from a well near ‘Chhauni Matha’ to prepare the ‘pana,’ which includes ingredients such as milk cream, cheese, sugar, banana, camphor, nutmeg, black pepper, and other spices.
After the Sodasha Upachara Puja, the aromatic drink is offered to the deities on their chariots. This offering also serves as a refreshment for the subsidiary deities who guard the Lords during their journey. This apart, it is believed that evil spirits, and dissatisfied souls consume the ‘pana’ to attain salvation.
