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In a sacred and symbolic ritual atop the three grand chariots of Lord Jagannath and sibling deities- Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra, the unique 'Adhara Pana' offering was made in Puri on Monday.
As per tradition, nine specially crafted clay pots (handis) filled with a sweet drink called pana were broken after being offered to the deities to satisfy the spirits and the presiding deities believed to reside on the chariots.
This age-old ritual, held on the 'Dwadasi Tithi' (12th day) of the bright fortnight of 'Ashadha' month, marks the offering of the 'Adhara Pana' drink to the deities while they are still atop their respective chariots. The ritual took place after the conclusion of the midday dhupa (food offering) and before the sandhya alati (evening lamp offering).
Each of the three chariots – Nandighosa, Taladhwaja, and Darpadalana – received three clay pots, making a total of nine 'handis'. These pots, crafted in a unique and traditional 'lautumba'-style design, were placed directly on the chariots and filled with pana—a rich blend of milk, banana, cheese, spices, and sugar. Once the offering was made with due 'Panchopachara' rituals (five-fold worship), the pots were ceremoniously broken by the 'Pujapanda sevaks'.
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The breaking of these pots is believed to spiritually satisfy and release the Chandis, Chamundas, and other ethereal beings (ashariris) who are thought to accompany the deities during the Rath Yatra. With their symbolic appeasement, peace is restored, and the way is paved for the deities' return to the Srimandir.
With the 'Adhara Pana' ritual now complete, all is set for tomorrow’s 'Niladri Bije', the final phase of the Rath Yatra, when the deities will ceremoniously return to the sanctum sanctorum and once again be seated on the Ratna Singhasana (jeweled throne) of the Shri Jagannath Temple.
