Shodasha Upachara Puja begins across Odisha’s Shakti Peeths with grandeur and devotion

The sacred observance of Shodasha Upachara Puja has commenced across the revered Shakti Peeths of Odisha. This has infused a renewed vibrancy into the spiritual landscape of the state.

Beginning on Sunday, the sixteen-fold ritualistic worship of the Goddesses marks a significant period of devotion, tradition, and celebration, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Mulashtami.

Kakatpur, Banki, Ganjam and Cuttack Temples Witness Vibrant Celebrations

Preparations are being meticulously conducted at prominent Shakti Peeths to uphold the sanctity and customs associated with the Shodasha Puja.  At Maa Mangala Peeth in Kakatpur, the rituals began following the Sahasra Kumbhabhisheka, a thousand-pot ablution ceremony performed in honour of the Goddess. The commencement of the puja has drawn devotees in large numbers, eager to witness and participate in the age-old traditions.

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Similarly, the Charchika Peeth in Banki has come alive with devotional fervour. Elaborate arrangements have been made for the sixteen-day-long puja, transforming the temple premises into a hub of spiritual activity and cultural expression.

In Ganjam district, the shrine of Goddess Taratarini also witnessed the beginning of the Shodasha Upachara Puja. As per tradition, women from the servitor families fetch water from the Rushikulya river and ceremonially bathe the Goddess before the rituals commence. 

At Maa Cuttack Chandi’s Temple, the Goddess will be adorned in the resplendent Suna Besha, a golden attire that symbolises divine opulence and grace. Today’s observance of Mulashtami holds special significance, as it is believed to be the day when the Goddess descends to earth and remains until Dussehra, blessing her devotees with darshan and divine presence.

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Following the Sahasra Kumbhabhisheka and the procurement of the sacred Ghata from Gadagadia Ghat, the ritual of Ghata Sthapana will be performed. These ceremonies pave the way for the commencement of the Shodasha Upachara Puja.

Goddess Will Be Adorned In Various Beshas 

From Sunday onwards, the Goddess will adorn various Beshas, each representing a unique manifestation of her power and benevolence. It is believed that Maa Cuttack Chandi is none other than Goddess Bhubaneswari herself, and thus, the first Besha she adorns is the Bhubaneswari Besha. 

Over the course of the puja, she will be seen in forms such as Raja Rajeshwari, Matangi, Bana Durga, Jay Durga, and others. However, from Sashthi tithi, the Beshas exhibit minimal variation.

On that day, the Goddess adorns the Gayatri Besha, followed by Bagalamukhi, Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi, Maha Saraswati, and finally, Mahisamardini Besha on the concluding day. 

Priest Highlights Rituals, Navratri Parallels

Speaking on the similarities and distinctions between Navratri and Shodasha Upachara Puja, Cuttack Chandi Temple priest Manoj Panda remarked, “There is not much difference between the Navratri and Shodasha Upachara Puja. Navaratra Puja is performed to worship Goddess Naba Durga, and for us, Navaratra begins today.”

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He further elaborated on a unique ritual observed on Ashtami tithi, stating, “The only variation lies in the Besha that Maa adorns on Ashtami. On that day, at around 9:30 pm, the attire she had worn is ceremonially removed. This is followed by the Maha Snana ritual, after which the Goddess is adorned in the Maha Kali Besha. In this form, she does not wear any garments; instead, she is decorated solely with jewellery and flowers.”

Concerns Over Temple Renovation

Despite the spiritual splendour, concerns linger over the temple’s destitute condition due to renovation. Expressing his dismay, the priest added, “The renovation work has been delayed far beyond the timeline we were promised. It saddens me to witness the current state of the temple. Hopefully, this issue will be addressed soon.”