Sabara Srikhetra, where tribes help Lord Jagannath recuperate from illness during Anasara

Among the famous tourist attractions of Koraput, ‘Sabara Srikhetra’ holds a special place in the hearts of visitors. The place is known for the magnificent white temple of Lord Jagannath and is built exactly the same way as the Puri Jagannath temple.

However, the thing that makes the shrine unique is the role of the tribals, particularly from the Sabar community, in the rituals, even during the 'Anasara Ghara' stay of the Holy Trinity.

After their Snan Yatra (ceremonial bathing), when the deities come down with ‘fever,’ tribes from the Sabara community serve them Pathi, a herbal drink, during quarantine.

Sabara priest, Ramachandra Gemel said, “I feel privileged to be able to serve the Lord. I not only serve Lord Jagannath the whole year, but I also perform secret rituals during His Anasara Ghara stay as well. Apart from herbs, the Lord is offered fruits in Anasara chamber too.”

prepare herbal medicines in the jungle and offer Lord Jagannath in the Anasara Ghara to cure Him of illness,” Gemel added.

The Jagannath Temple was built in Koraput to spread Jagannath consciousness. This temple signifies unity. It does not distinguish between humans based on caste, creed, or religion and is open to everyone.

The temple has tribal connections, and the beliefs owe to those connections. It provides accommodation facilities for pilgrims, and the temple trust operates a Council of Analytical Tribal Studies to preserve and propagate the culture of the local tribes.

“There are actually very few temples in India that are open to all for darshan. This temple in Koraput is an amalgamation of all the religions and castes. This is the greatness of Hinduism and its traditions,” said a tourist from Chhattisgarh.