Puri Gajapati Maharaja’s Pushyabhishek ceremony to be held today as per tradition

The Pushyabhishek ceremony of the Puri Gajapati Maharaja will be held on Monday at the Srinar, strictly in accordance with age-old rituals and customs. The annual ceremony holds immense religious and cultural significance and is closely associated with the traditions of the Shree Jagannath Temple (Srimandir).

As part of the ceremony, the Gajapati Maharaja will ceremonially ascend the throne and undergo the ritual anointment. The Pushyabhishek is observed every year on Pausha Purnima and is intrinsically linked to the Debabhisheka rituals of Lord Jagannath at the Srimandir.

Rituals Linked to Srimandir Traditions

According to tradition, the Pushyabhishek ceremony at the Srinar is conducted only after the completion of the Debabhisheka rituals of Lord Jagannath at the Srimandir on Pausha Purnima. Following this, the Rajabhisheka of the Gajapati Maharaja is performed at the Srinar.

A special ceremonial invitation will be extended to the Puri Gajapati Maharaja, during which prayers will be offered for the peace and prosperity of Odisha. Sohala Sasana Brahmin priests will gather at the Srinar and offer their blessings to the Gajapati Maharaja as part of the sacred ritual.

Significance of Pushya Nakshatra

Explaining the importance of the ritual timing, Pandit Soumya Panda said,

“Just as Lord Jagannath’s Pushyabhishek is performed on Pausha Purnima, the Rajabhisheka of the Gajapati Maharaja cannot be conducted unless the Pushya Nakshatra aligns. It is believed that performing the Rajabhisheka on this auspicious occasion brings prosperity and good fortune to the region ruled by the Maharaja.”

He further added that following the completion of all rituals, the Brahmins bless the Gajapati Maharaja, who traditionally considers himself a servitor of Lord Jagannath.

Roots in Ancient Coronation Traditions

The Rajabhisheka ceremony of the Puri Gajapati Maharaja is observed in keeping with long-standing tradition and draws inspiration from the coronation rituals of Lord Sri Rama Chandra. The ceremony underscores the Gajapati’s revered role as the foremost servitor of Lord Jagannath and reflects the continued observance of ritual practices deeply embedded in Jagannath culture.

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The event is conducted with strict adherence to religious norms, preserving the sanctity and continuity of the centuries-old traditions associated with the Srimandir and the Puri Gajapati Maharaja.