Three-Day Dev Deepawali Rituals Begin at Puri Srimandir
Puri: The sacred three-day Dev Deepawali rituals commenced on Wednesday at the Jagannath Temple, marking the holy month of Margasira’s Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi.
This auspicious occasion is dedicated to honouring divine ancestors, with Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra observing traditional rites steeped in centuries-old customs.
During the festival, the deities adorn the Shraddha Besha, symbolising reverence for ancestral divinity.
Each day features offerings to different divine ancestors: Aditi and Kashyapa on Chaturdashi, King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya on Amavasya, and Vasudeva–Devaki, Nanda–Yashoda, and King Indradyumna–Queen Gundicha on Pratipada.
Daily highlights include the Dwipahara Dhoopa, where devotees witness the deities in Shraddha attire, followed by evening rituals with three grand ceremonial lamps carried to the Bada Deula, Jagamohan, and Bhogamandap.
Priests also create a symbolic rice tree at the Ratna Singhasan, lighting 28 sacred lamps as offerings to Mahaprabhu.
The lamp procession around the temple is a central attraction.
Three Palia Pujapandas carry the grand lamps to the Jay-Vijay Dwara for water sanctification, before handing them to the Chunara Sevak, who lights lamps across the temple corridor with oil and ghee donated by the Bada Odia Math.
The Chandraudiya lamp is lit while chanting the Gajapati Maharaja’s name, invoking blessings for his well-being.
The Dev Deepawali rituals not only preserve the spiritual grandeur of the Jagannath Temple but also reaffirm Odisha’s rich cultural heritage, drawing devotees and visitors into a profound celebration of faith and tradition.
