Puri: Three-day long festival of light in Srimandir popularly known as ‘Deba Deepavali’ was observed Saturday.
Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra observed Deba Dipabali. Lakhs of devotees thronged the Holy city to witness lifting of Mahadeep to the temple top and lighting of diyas atop temple ‘Amolaka’ and display of fireworks which began with traditional fervour.
During these three days the deities made offerings to their late parents.
On the first day, Lord Jagannath offered ‘Pinda’ (obsequies) in favour of mythological king Indradyumna who established the lords in the temple and asked for a boon to end his dynasty so that none of his successive family members could claim the ownership of the temple.
The boon was granted by Lord Jagannath who volunteered to offer Pinda to his ardent devotee Indradyumna.
On the second day, as incarnation of Sri Ram Lord Jagannath offered pinda to his father king Dasarath and as Krishna he offered Pinda to parents Basudev and Devaki. Likewise, on the third day, the pinda was offered to his foster parents Nanda and Jashoda.
During these three days, a set of complex rituals were observed and the deities were adorned with ‘Shradha’ vesha. Temple was illuminated by a large number of diyas.
Hundreds of devotees waited for hours in front of the temple since afternoon to witness the ceremony. Display of fireworks from the temple top was enjoyed by the devotees. The temple administration had taken special measures for completion of all the rituals of the lords in time.
Lakhs of devotees taste Mahaprasad during these three days. A number of institutions stage bhajan recital programmes for the devotees in front of the Lions Gate.
PNN