‘Andhamandir Hati Prastab Niti’ observed at Puri Srimandir; all about the age-old ritual

The Jagannath Temple in Puri witnessed the observance of the traditional ‘Andhamandir Hati Prastab Niti’ on Tuesday evening. 

The ritual was conducted on the occasion of Bhadrab Shukla Tritiya after the completion of the ‘Sandhya Aalati’.

As per temple tradition, Lord Ram and Lord Krishna were brought out from the ‘Dakshina Ghar’ after receiving the ‘Agyamala’. 

Placed in a decorated palanquin, the deities were carried through the Singhadwara to a wooden throne near the Bada Chhata Math, where they were ceremoniously installed.

During the proceedings, devotees from Baseli Sahi offered the customary Andhamandir Hati Prastab. The rituals were followed by the offering of ‘Sheetal Bhog’ and ‘Bandapana’, before the deities were escorted back to the ‘Dakshina Ghar’.

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Later in the evening, after Sandhyadhupa, Lord Madan Mohan was seated on a cot inside the ‘Natapa Mandap’. The day concluded with the performance of the Andha Prastab or Leela Niti, marking the completion of the age-old ritual.