Puri: Lord Jagannath was adorned with Raidamodar Besa (attire) at Srimandir here Wednesday, marking the beginning of special rituals for the holy month of Kartik.
Devotees would have the opportunity to witness the Raidamodar Besa of Lord Jagannath till Panchaka.
The daily rituals at Srimandir were performed at least two hours behind of the schedule Saturday. According to sources, the Mangal Alati ritual of the deities was performed at 6.40 am.
The Puspalak servitors adorned Lord Jagannath with Raidamodar Besa soon after the completion of routine rituals like Mailama, Tadaplagi and Abakash.
Kartika is the holiest of all the months in the Hindu lunar calendar and includes many religious events like ‘Habisha’, ‘Baluka Puja’, ‘Panchuka’, ‘Kartika Purnima’, ‘Boita Bandana’ and many more. It usually overlaps with the months October & November in the English calendar.
This is the most awaited month of the year for Odias, particularly widows and women. Kartika Brata is observed for the whole month and important rituals in this month include partial fasting and reading the Kartika Mahatmya from Padma Purana.
During the period, a large number of pilgrims come to Puri to serve Lord Jagannath and carry out their Kartika Brata.
Temple sources said Lord Jagannath would be decorated with five special Besas during the Panchaka.
According to Hindus, someone who undertakes Kartika Brata will get happiness in life because this is the most awaited month for both of the Supreme Gods, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. The most meritorious day of this month is the full moon day i.e. Kartika Purnima.
The lord would be adorned with Laxminarayan Besa on the first day of Panchaka followed by Bankachuda Besa, Tribikrama Besa and Laxminrusingha Besa. The last day of Panchaka is very crucial when the Lord would be giving darshan to the devotees in Rajarajeswar Besa.
PNN