Three-day Dev Deepawali rituals begin at Puri Srimandir; know its significance

The holy month of Margasira enters its Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi on Wednesday, marking the beginning of the three-day Dev Deepawali rituals at the Jagannath Temple in Puri. 

During this sacred period, Lord Jagannath and His Siblings will don Shraddha Besha and special lamps will be offered in honour of their ancestors.

'Deities Perform Deepadan'

According to tradition, the deities perform deepadan and shraddha for different divine ancestors over the three days- Aditi and Kashyapa on Chaturdashi, King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya on Amavasya, and Vasudeva–Devaki, Nanda–Yashoda, and King Indradyumna–Queen Gundicha on Pratipada.

Three-Day Ancestor Worship Rituals

After the Dwipahara Dhoopa each day, the deities give darshan in Shraddha attire. In the evening, following the Sandhya Dhoopa, three grand lamps are ceremonially taken to the Bada Deula, Jagamohan, and Bhogamandap.

In front of the Ratna Singhasan, a small tree is created using rice, and 28 sacred lamps are lit as an offering to Mahaprabhu. The three main lamps are also formally worshipped as part of the rituals.

Traditional Lamp Procession Around the Temple

During these ceremonies, three Palia Pujapandas carry the grand lamps to the Jay-Vijay Dwara. One priest sanctifies the rice mound with water while chanting rituals. The lamps are then handed over to the Chunara Sevak, who uses oil and ghee donated by the Bada Odia Math to light lamps around the temple’s outer corridor.

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As per tradition, the Chunara Sevak also lights the Chandraudiya, chanting the name of the Gajapati Maharaja and offering prayers for his well-being.