Devotees throng Puri for ‘Pankodhar Ekadashi’ at Lokanath Temple

Thousands of devotees assembled in Odisha's Puri on Friday to observe ‘Pankodhar Ekadashi’ at the Lokanath Temple. The annual ritual, associated with Lord Lokanath, was conducted amid elaborate arrangements by the district administration and police to ensure smooth and safe darshan.

Barricading arrangements were put in place in view of the large turnout. Puri Police made extensive security arrangements to facilitate orderly movement of devotees throughout the day.

Rituals Began At Midnight

The temple doors were opened at 12 midnight, and the Pankodhar ritual commenced at 4 am. Darshan is scheduled to continue until 11 pm.

From ‘Pankodhar Ekadashi’ until the ‘Mahadeep’ is raised on Maha Shivaratri, the ‘Jagata Mangala Deep’ will remain lit for three days. The lamp, specially crafted from ‘ashtadhatu’ (an alloy of eight metals), will burn using approximately two and a half quintals of ghee.

Rare Darshan Of The Shiva Lingam

The ritual holds particular spiritual significance as it is the only day in the year when the Shiva Lingam, which remains submerged in water for the rest of the year, is revealed after the sanctum is drained.

The Pankodhar Neeti is observed three days prior to Maha Shivaratri. During this period, temple priests remove the accumulated water surrounding the Shiva Lingam using sacred vessels. The lingam is then cleansed with sandalwood paste and floral fragrances.

Devotees are given a rare opportunity to offer ‘bel’ leaves, flowers and gold or silver ornaments directly to the deity, an act that is otherwise restricted due to the submerged state of the lingam.

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Though a Shaiva shrine, the Lokanath Temple maintains strong cultural ties with the Jagannath tradition and is regarded as the guardian deity of Lord Jagannath, entrusted with safeguarding his divine treasures.