Nanda Utsav to be celebrated at Puri Srimandir today; know its significance

The sacred Nanda Utsav rituals will be celebrated at the Jagannath Temple in Puri on Saturday, a day after Janmashtami, on the auspicious occasion of Bhadraba Krishna Navami.  The rituals will commence after Mangala Alati when Mahajana servitors will ceremonially carry the idols of Lord Ram and Lord Krishna to the Doli Mandap inside the Jagamohan. Lord Madanmohan from Dakshini Ghar will also join the rituals.

Following the completion of ‘Bijuli Kanyaku Mariba Niti’ and the return of Goddess Durga to the Bhandar Ghar, the three deities, Ram, Krishna, and Madanmohan, will be seated together on a decorated cot. 

The idols will then be adorned with flowers, sandalwood paste, and new attire before being carried in a palanquin through the Satapahach to Lakshmi Temple, where they will be seated inside the Jagamohan.

In one of the highlights, Bhitarchha Mahapatra will assume the role of Nanda Raja and proceed to Srinaara before returning to sit at the Snana Mandap. Later, a milking cow will be brought to the Lakshmi Temple. After the ritual milking, fresh cow’s milk will be offered in silver vessels to the deities, followed by Prasad Lagi, Rasi Kora Manohi, and Bandapana Niti.

In the concluding part of the rituals, Nanda Raja will symbolically hold the divine sons and seat them on a swing inside the Jagamohan. Thereafter, the idols will be taken back to Dakshini Ghar. The elaborate celebration requires the participation of over 20 servitors.

Also Read | Janmastami rituals: Darshan to remain closed 5 hours at Puri Jagannath Temple tonight

Meanwhile, tomorrow on Bhadraba Krishna Dashami, the temple will witness Banabhoji Besha, along with ritual enactments of Kolibika, Bakasura Badha, and Aghasura Badha.