The sacred Anasara rituals of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra entered the 12th day on Friday, marking an important stage in the deities’ recovery following the ceremonial Snana Purnima bath.
On the Dashami Tithi, the deities are scheduled to perform the ‘Chaka Bije’ ritual, symbolising their transition from the resting phase after undergoing secret Ayurvedic treatment by the Daitapati servitors inside the Anasara chamber. The ritual signifies that the Lords have regained strength and are ready to sit up after days of recuperation.
As part of the traditional healing process, the Raj Vaidya (royal physician) will prepare and hand over Dashamula Modaka, a traditional herbal medicine, to the temple authorities. The sacred medicine will be offered to the deities, who are believed to regain complete health after consuming it before the conclusion of the Anasara period.
Temple rituals will continue after the Madhyahna Dhupa and Bhogamandap offerings. The Jay-Vijay Dwara will remain closed while the Beherana Dwara is opened for the Anasara rituals. The Daitapati servitors will perform the Chaka Bije ceremony, followed by the offering of Chakata and Pana Bhoga.
Meanwhile, preparations for the upcoming Rath Yatra are in full swing at the Rath Khala. Maharana, Bhoi and Chitrakar servitors are working round the clock to complete the construction and decoration of the three chariots.
Installation of the Parshva Devatas (side deities) on all three chariots has been completed, along with the placement of the Shikhara Dambaru, the decorative shrine structures on the chariots.
Chitrakar servitors are busy painting the chariots, horses and charioteers, while Darji servitors are stitching decorative fabrics, zari lace, floral embellishments and Banarasi cloth coverings for the deities’ seats and cushions. Blacksmiths are preparing essential iron fittings and emergency tools, while Pahi Maharana servitors continue crafting wooden components required for the smooth conduct of the annual Rath Yatra.