Puri: The ritual of Pahili Bhog (first prasad) was started in Jagannath Temple in Odisha’s Puri on the auspicious occasion of Dhanu Sankranti on Saturday.
As per tradition, Goddess Laxmi, the wife of Lord Jagannath, will visit her paternal home for a month from this day. In her absence, Maa Yasoda, the mother of Lord Jagannath, will prepare the prasad to be offered to the Lord for the entire month till Makar Sankranti.
According to the practice, the main doors of the temple were opened at 2.40 am and the rituals including Shodh, Mangal Arati, Rosa Homa, Mailam and Tadapa were performed. Then Surya Puja, Dwarapal Puja and Besha of the Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra were performed. Following this, Pahili Bhog was offered to them.
As part of Pahili Bhog, besides Mahaparasad, various delicacies including sweet items were offered to the Lords. The devotees, who visit the temple during the day, can partake the Mahaprasad. As darshan of the deities during Pahili Bhog is considered very auspicious, thousands of devotees thronged the temple from early hours on the day.
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