‘Kasturi’ shortage puts Banakalagi rituals under strain at Puri Jagannath Temple; PM Modi’s intervention sought

A prolonged shortage of kasturi (deer musk), a crucial ingredient used in the Banakalagi rituals of the deities at the Srimandir in Odisha's Puri, triggered concern among servitors and Jagannath culture scholars, with fears being raised over the long-term protection of the Sri Anga, the sacred bodies of the Sibling Deities. Datta Mohapatra servitors formally sought the intervention of the Prime Minister, urging immediate action to address the issue.

The matter gained urgency ahead of the first Banakalagi and Srimukha Sringara of the Chaturdhamurti in the New Year. Datta Mohapatra servitors appealed to both the Central and the State governments, pointing out that for several years, there has been an acute shortage of genuine deer musk, a mandatory component of the ritual, reportedly. 

They stated that in some instances, only a token quantity of musk supplied during the previous Nabakalebara was touched merely to uphold ritual observance, while on other occasions, even that was unavailable. Concerns were also raised regarding the quality of the musk being used.

Sanjay Datta Mohapatra, a Datta Mohapatra servitor, said, “There is no availability of deer musk and it is not being provided anymore. We request the Odisha government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to arrange deer musk for the protection of Lord Jagannath’s idol.”

Ritual Significance And Traditional Supply

As per traditional Srimandir records, kasturi is prescribed for use along with various natural colours during Banakalagi and Srimukha Sringara rituals to enhance the appearance of the deities. The highly fragrant musk, extracted from the navel of a deer, is believed to repel insects and pests, thereby ensuring the protection of the Sri Anga.

Traditionally, deer musk was donated to the Srimandir from Nepal. As the King of Nepal supplied the required musk, he was accorded special recognition at the temple. However, the Nepal government later discontinued the supply citing legal restrictions, resulting in the present shortage.

Appeal For Coordinated Intervention

Jagannath culture researchers and servitors stressed that the issue concerns a centuries-old practice and requires urgent attention. Jagannath culture expert Padmanabha Tripathy Sharma said, “This is not a one-time ritual. It has continued for centuries, and arrangements for deer musk must be ensured.”

Ganesh Mahasuar, President of the Mahasuar Nijog, said, “The Srimandir administration, the Odisha government and the Indian government should jointly approach the Nepal government to arrange deer musk.”

With Banakalagi rituals now facing serious constraints, attention remains focused on the steps the authorities will take to safeguard the continuity of the sacred tradition.