Samba Dashami observed across Odisha; thousands gather at Chandrabhaga for Surya Rath Yatra

Samba Dashami is being observed across Odisha on Tuesday with traditional rituals and large congregations of devotees at major pilgrimage centres. Thousands gathered at Chandrabhaga near Konark in Puri to witness the sunrise and participate in age-old ceremonies dedicated to the Sun God.

From early morning, households across the state offered prayers to Lord Surya. Women performed rituals and offered arghya to the Sun God, seeking good health and freedom from illness for their families. The observance coincides with Samba Dashami of the Pausa month, considered an important day in Odisha’s religious calendar.

Large Gathering At Chandrabhaga, Konark

A massive turnout of devotees and tourists was witnessed at Chandrabhaga in Konark, where Sun worshippers assembled to watch the sunrise and take part in religious rites. The Surya Rath Yatra is being held from Ananta Abadhuta Mutt to Chandrabhaga, with devotees pulling the ceremonial chariot as part of the tradition.

The chariot will remain at Chandrabhaga for 27 days, during which worship will be conducted for the 27 nakshatras. The Bahuda Yatra is scheduled to take place on Magha Saptami.

Rituals At Puri And Fog-Delayed Darshan

In Puri, devotees reportedly faced delays in darshan of Lord Surya due to dense fog in the region. At the Ananta Abadhuta Mutt, the Chalanti Pratima of the Sun God was placed on the chariot following the Pahandi ritual.

As part of the offerings, 108 pieces of Bara and Kakara were offered to the deity as bhoga before the chariot procession proceeded towards Chandrabhaga.

Mythological Significance Of Samba Dashami

According to mythology, during the Dwapara Yuga, Samba, the son of Lord Krishna, was afflicted with leprosy due to a curse. On the advice of Lord Krishna, Samba undertook severe penance and worshipped the Sun God on the banks of the Chandrabhaga river and in the then Maitreya forest at Konark.

After 12 years of devotion, he was cured of the disease, leading to the observance of Samba Dashami.

Priest Explains Ritual Sequence

The president of the Soura Brahman Parishad said, “After the Maha Snana ritual of the Sun God, all subsequent rituals were completed. Following this, the Pahandi and chariot-pulling rituals were held. Samba Dashami is being observed across Odisha today.”

“After the worship of the 27 nakshatras over 27 days is completed, the Lord will take a ceremonial bath at the Chandrabhaga Tirtha and return to the Ananta Abadhuta Mutt,” he added.

The chariot is scheduled to return on Magha Saptami, marking the conclusion of the rituals associated with the festival.