Lord Jagannath Recovers; Khali Prasad Offered on Ekadashi, Nabajaubana Darshan on Tuesday

After remaining in seclusion during the Anasara period following Snana Purnima, Lord Jagannath and the sibling deities are believed to have fully recovered on Khali Lagi Ekadashi with the offering of the sacred Dashamula Modaka. The ritual was marked by the sound of temple bells and kahali trumpets, while chants of “Manima” echoed through the Shree Jagannath Temple, signalling the Lord’s return to good health.

According to temple tradition, the deities, who were considered unwell after the ceremonial bath on Snana Purnima, had resumed sitting on the Anasara pedestal on Dashami. On Ekadashi, they were offered Dashamula, a traditional herbal preparation symbolising complete recovery.

As part of the rituals, Daita and Pati Mahapatra servitors applied a fragrant paste made of sandalwood, camphor, saffron and kasturi (musk) to the deities. The Lords were also adorned with Baralagi Khandua silk cloth. Tulsi leaves, which are traditionally not offered during the period of illness, were once again used in worship, along with colourful flowers, signifying the end of the Anasara period.

The Khali Lagi ritual is accompanied by the ringing of bells and blowing of kahali to announce to devotees that the deities have regained their health. Until now, only white flowers were offered due to the symbolic fever of the deities. With the recovery rituals completed, normal worship resumes.

On Anasara Dwadashi, the temple administration will formally convey the news of the deities’ recovery to the Gajapati Maharaja through the traditional Rajaprasad Bije ceremony. The much-awaited Nabajaubana Darshan, during which devotees will witness the deities in their rejuvenated youthful appearance, is scheduled for Tuesday, ahead of the annual Rath Yatra.

Meanwhile, preparations for the grand chariot festival have entered their final phase. On the 82nd day of chariot construction, the sacred Kalasa (finial) was installed atop the three chariots, and the Bhoi servitors performed the eighth Haribol ritual. The traditional construction process concludes with the ninth and final Haribol, which will be performed after the chariots are moved to the Singhadwara and their wheels are finally assembled.

The ceremonial Olata Sua (decorative parrot) has also been installed on the Kalasa, while the Prabhabedi has been completely decorated, awaiting the arrival of the Holy Trinity.

Following the Nabajaubana Darshan and Netrotsava, the fully decorated chariots will be shifted from the Rathakhala to the Singhadwara of the Shree Jagannath Temple, setting the stage for the world-famous Rath Yatra.