48. Rites and Ritual of Lord Jagannath

Rites and Ritual of Lord Jagannath:

Jagannatha Swami is regarded as both the Supreme Lord and the only monarch of the state of Orissa. The entire ritual pattern of Jagannath operates under this conception. Even the Gajapati King of Puri is seen as a humble servant of Lord Jagannath.

The rituals and the modes of worship have been described in texts namely Narada Pancharatra, Niladri Mahodaya, Gopalarchan Pujabidhi, Madal Panji etc. 

According to these books the worship of the deities is done daily 3 times in 16 Upachars and 3 times in 5 Upachars. Mangal Alati (waving of lamps), Abakash (cleaning the teeth etc,) and bath, dressing or make-up, the Homa in the kitchen, the Sun-worship, different types of Bhogs, known as Gopalballabha (breakfast), the Bhog of the morning session, the Bhog of the midday session, the Aarti of the evening, the Bhog of the evening session, the decoration known as Bad-Simhar and Pahud (going to sleep) are performed everyday in this order. The deities are dressed up afresh after almost each Bhog. The devotees may proceed up to Ratna Simhasan and see the deities twice a day. These occasions are known as Sahan Mela.

The Sanskrit word "niti" means rule, policy or principle. But in "Puri niti" refers to particular "religious rites observed in the temple". 

There are 3 classes of nitis:

1. Daily Niti:

Fixed rites observed daily as a routine course

The Daily Rituals of Lord Jagannath:

For 10 months a year the temple doors open at 5 a.m. 

For 2 months (Oct.-Nov. and Dec.14-Jan.14) they open at around 2 a.m. 

Mangala arati follows with ghee lamps which provide a clear darsana of Jagannatha Swami's sweet face. Before the deities are bathed, tooth sticks and tongue scrapers are shown to denote brushing Their teeth. 

To prevent damage to the wooden murtis, only the image of the deities is bathed every day in silver mirrors (or bronze) which are held before Them. Sanctified water mixed with yogurt, camphor, amla and sandalwood paste is poured over the mirrors to complete the deities' bath.

2. Occasional or Special Niti:

Rites done on certain days, months or mishaps in the temple. 

For example, on Ekadasi night a huge ghee lamp is placed near the cakra above the temple:

3. Festival Niti:

Rituals to celebrate various yearly festivals like Chandana Yatra and Ratha-yatra. Jagannatha Swami celebrates the 12 annual religious festivals mentioned in the Padma Purana (Purushottama-kshetra mahatyam). Nowadays, more than 60 official festivals are held yearly. Over time, various devoted rulers and the faithful have added the extra celebrations.