Today marks the observance of the Adhara Pana ritual at the revered Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha. This ceremony takes place the day after Suna Besha, when the sibling deities—Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra—are adorned in golden attire. The Adhara Pana ritual, translating to “lip juice,” is a unique tradition performed on Asadha Sukla Pakhya Dwadashi. In the Adhara Pana ritual, large terracotta pots filled with a special sweet drink are carried onto the three chariots of the deities. These chariots are stationed near the Lion Gate of the 12th-century temple. The pots, filled to the brim, reach the lips of the deities.
The process begins with the Pania Apata Sevakas fetching water from a well near Chhauni Matha close to Singha Dwara. The Supakaras then prepare the Pana, which consists of milk cream, cheese, sugar, banana, camphor, nutmeg, black pepper, and various spices. The offering of the Pana is performed by the Patribadu, Suarabadu, Garabadu Palia Sevaka, and Pujapanda Sevaka. The ritual is significant for liberating the souls and spirits residing in the chariots. These spirits are believed to have guarded the deities during the Rath Yatra. Hence, the refreshment is exclusively for the Gods and Goddesses, and devotees are not permitted to partake in it.
The preparation of the huge pots used in the ritual is entrusted to the potters of Kumbharpada. Historically, twelve clay pots were used, but now, only nine pots are utilized. The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, along with Raghab Das Matha and Bada Odia Matha, arranges for these pots. Local potters use three sacks of fine soil and one sack of sand to craft the pots, which takes at least a month to complete. “The soil is carefully filtered to remove stones and debris. After mixing with sand, the paste is prepared, and the pots are shaped. They are then sun-dried for a few days before being baked,” explained a local potter. The pots typically measure around four feet in height and circumference. Throughout the preparation process, potters maintain stringent hygiene and adhere to specific food restrictions.
The Adhara Pana ritual is a remarkable tradition that underscores the rich cultural and religious heritage of the Puri Jagannath Temple. It highlights the dedication and meticulous efforts of the local community in preserving and executing this ancient ceremony, providing a glimpse into the deep-rooted customs that continue to thrive in Odisha.
Today marks the observance of the Adhara Pana ritual at the revered Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha. This ceremony takes place the day after Suna Besha, when the sibling deities—Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra—are adorned in golden attire. The Adhara Pana ritual, translating to “lip juice,” is a unique tradition performed on Asadha Sukla Pakhya Dwadashi. In the Adhara Pana ritual, large terracotta pots filled with a special sweet drink are carried onto the three chariots of the deities. These chariots are stationed near the Lion Gate of the 12th-century temple. The pots, filled to the brim, reach the lips of the deities.
The process begins with the Pania Apata Sevakas fetching water from a well near Chhauni Matha close to Singha Dwara. The Supakaras then prepare the Pana, which consists of milk cream, cheese, sugar, banana, camphor, nutmeg, black pepper, and various spices. The offering of the Pana is performed by the Patribadu, Suarabadu, Garabadu Palia Sevaka, and Pujapanda Sevaka. The ritual is significant for liberating the souls and spirits residing in the chariots. These spirits are believed to have guarded the deities during the Rath Yatra. Hence, the refreshment is exclusively for the Gods and Goddesses, and devotees are not permitted to partake in it.
The preparation of the huge pots used in the ritual is entrusted to the potters of Kumbharpada. Historically, twelve clay pots were used, but now, only nine pots are utilized. The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, along with Raghab Das Matha and Bada Odia Matha, arranges for these pots. Local potters use three sacks of fine soil and one sack of sand to craft the pots, which takes at least a month to complete. “The soil is carefully filtered to remove stones and debris. After mixing with sand, the paste is prepared, and the pots are shaped. They are then sun-dried for a few days before being baked,” explained a local potter. The pots typically measure around four feet in height and circumference. Throughout the preparation process, potters maintain stringent hygiene and adhere to specific food restrictions.
The Adhara Pana ritual is a remarkable tradition that underscores the rich cultural and religious heritage of the Puri Jagannath Temple. It highlights the dedication and meticulous efforts of the local community in preserving and executing this ancient ceremony, providing a glimpse into the deep-rooted customs that continue to thrive in Odisha.
