Maha Saptami Puja observed at pandals across Odisha; Shakti Peeths mark Maha Ashtami rituals

Sacred rituals and vibrant festivities are underway across Odisha as devotees observe Maha Saptami Puja with great fervour. According to tradition, Maha Saptami marks the divine descent of the Goddess to Earth, symbolising the beginning of the most auspicious phase of Durga Puja.

While Puja Pandals across the state are immersed in the celebrations of Maha Saptami, several temples and shrines are preparing to perform Maha Ashtami Puja on Monday.

The day’s rituals include Maa’s Ghata Sthapana, Navapatrika Prabesha, Chakhyu Daan, and Praan Pratishtha, followed by the Saptami Puja, invoking the Goddess in all her splendour and grace.

The mandaps are reverberating with the sound of sacred chants. On Maha Shashthi, devotees had earlier worshipped near the bel tree with the ritual of Bilwa Barani. From today, larger crowds of devotees will gather at the mandaps to take part in the festivities.

Maha Ashtami at Shakti Peeths

While Maha Saptami Puja continues in the pandals, Maha Ashtami Puja is being observed at the Shakti Peeths. At Jajpur, devotees in large numbers are gathering at the shrine of Maa Biraja for darshan, while Ghatagaon in Keonjhar has been witnessing the vibrant recitation of Maa Tarini, appearing in her Suna Besha.

At Jhankada in Jagatsinghpur, Maa Sarala will adorn the Mahishamardini Besha, drawing thousands of devotees to the shrine. On Sunday midnight, 108 Pana Handi was offered to the Goddess, followed by special pujas.

Priests Explain Rituals

A temple priest said, “The special rituals began around 4:20 am today. Maa was offered Nua Chuda and Manda Pitha as the special bhoga. Rituals such as Surya Puja and Chandi Patha are also performed on this sacred tithi. Maa’s Shodasha Upachara Puja and the Madhyanna Dhupa will also be performed. Later in the evening, the Goddess will adorn the Mahishamardini Besha, which will continue till 10 pm. On Maha Ashtami night, a sacrificial ritual will also take place around 3 am.”

Devotees Express Gratitude

The occasion was marked by deep devotion, with devotees sharing their experiences. One of them said, “We feel truly blessed and happy to have the darshan of Maa Sarala on this auspicious day.” 

An elderly devotee added, “We have been offering Nua Chuda as bhoga to Maa for nearly 60 years. It is made from freshly harvested paddy, and we feel grateful to continue this tradition in devotion to the Goddess.”

Faith and Tradition Alive

With sacred offerings, divine adornments and age-old rituals, the Maha Saptami and Ashtami celebrations are turning into a spiritual spectacle across Odisha. The large gatherings at the shrines and mandaps reflect the unwavering devotion and cultural heritage associated with the worship of Maa Durga.