Thousands of devotees gathered at Chandrabhaga Beach, near Konark in Puri district, Odisha, on the auspicious occasion of Magha Saptami to take a ritual bath in the holy pond. This annual event is a significant part of the Magha Mela, attracting pilgrims from across the state and beyond. Magha Saptami, observed on the seventh day of the bright fortnight of the Magha month, is dedicated to the worship of Surya Dev (Sun God). The ritual bath at Chandrabhaga is believed to have divine healing properties, curing skin diseases and washing away sins.
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna’s son, Shamba, suffered from leprosy due to a curse. Following the advice of sages, he performed a 12-day penance at Arka Kshetra, worshipping the Sun God after taking a holy dip at the Chandrabhaga River. He was eventually cured, making this ritual an integral part of Magha Saptami celebrations. Though the Chandrabhaga River has nearly disappeared over time, a section of its dried riverbed is excavated each year and converted into a sacred pond for devotees to perform the ritual bath. The tradition continues to preserve the spiritual and cultural heritage of this significant pilgrimage site.
A major highlight of the Magha Saptami festival is the procession of representative idols from nearby villages. Sources reveal that the idols of Triveniswar (Madhipur village), Tshaneswar (Santpur village), and Dakhineswar (Kurujang village) were ceremoniously carried in palanquins at midnight. The procession made its way to Konark NAC Mandap, Tehsil Office, and East Division Post Office Complex, where traditional worship was performed. Later, in the early hours of the morning, the idols were taken to the Chandrabhaga Teerth Mandap, where the main rituals took place before devotees took their holy dip.
After the purifying bath, devotees proceed to offer prayers at the Nabagraha Temple, located within the premises of the famous Sun Temple of Konark—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Sun Temple, dedicated to Lord Surya, stands as a symbol of India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage and remains an important religious center for Hindu devotees. Magha Saptami at Chandrabhaga is not just a religious festival but also a cultural and spiritual congregation that upholds Odisha’s deep-rooted traditions. The association of the Sun God, the holy dip, and the Sun Temple of Konark makes this festival unique.
Every year, the event draws devotees, saints, and tourists, reinforcing Konark’s historical and mythological significance. The Magha Mela also includes various religious discourses, devotional music, and cultural performances, adding to the festive spirit.
Thousands of devotees gathered at Chandrabhaga Beach, near Konark in Puri district, Odisha, on the auspicious occasion of Magha Saptami to take a ritual bath in the holy pond. This annual event is a significant part of the Magha Mela, attracting pilgrims from across the state and beyond. Magha Saptami, observed on the seventh day of the bright fortnight of the Magha month, is dedicated to the worship of Surya Dev (Sun God). The ritual bath at Chandrabhaga is believed to have divine healing properties, curing skin diseases and washing away sins.
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna’s son, Shamba, suffered from leprosy due to a curse. Following the advice of sages, he performed a 12-day penance at Arka Kshetra, worshipping the Sun God after taking a holy dip at the Chandrabhaga River. He was eventually cured, making this ritual an integral part of Magha Saptami celebrations. Though the Chandrabhaga River has nearly disappeared over time, a section of its dried riverbed is excavated each year and converted into a sacred pond for devotees to perform the ritual bath. The tradition continues to preserve the spiritual and cultural heritage of this significant pilgrimage site.
A major highlight of the Magha Saptami festival is the procession of representative idols from nearby villages. Sources reveal that the idols of Triveniswar (Madhipur village), Tshaneswar (Santpur village), and Dakhineswar (Kurujang village) were ceremoniously carried in palanquins at midnight. The procession made its way to Konark NAC Mandap, Tehsil Office, and East Division Post Office Complex, where traditional worship was performed. Later, in the early hours of the morning, the idols were taken to the Chandrabhaga Teerth Mandap, where the main rituals took place before devotees took their holy dip.
After the purifying bath, devotees proceed to offer prayers at the Nabagraha Temple, located within the premises of the famous Sun Temple of Konark—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Sun Temple, dedicated to Lord Surya, stands as a symbol of India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage and remains an important religious center for Hindu devotees. Magha Saptami at Chandrabhaga is not just a religious festival but also a cultural and spiritual congregation that upholds Odisha’s deep-rooted traditions. The association of the Sun God, the holy dip, and the Sun Temple of Konark makes this festival unique.
Every year, the event draws devotees, saints, and tourists, reinforcing Konark’s historical and mythological significance. The Magha Mela also includes various religious discourses, devotional music, and cultural performances, adding to the festive spirit.
