Bhubaneswar: The Raksha Bandhan day is also observed as the birth day of Lord Balabhadra in the Jagannath Temple in Puri.
Lord Balabhadra was born on the shravana nakshatra’s Gamha Purnami on Makara Lagna. Rakhi Purnima is also known as ‘Gamha Purnima’ across the state.
On this day, all the six idols namely Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra, Sudarshan, Bhudevi and Sridevi on ratnabedi are adorned with gold ornaments. The order of Lord Jagannath is then offered to Bhudevi, Sridevi, Madan Mohan, the representative of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra for Jhalana rituals.
Then lord Sudarshan drops down from the ratnabedi and boards the ‘chaudola’ bejeweled with golden garlands.
At Markendya pond, Sudha Suara servitors observe some rituals by making a clay idol of Lord Balabhadra. The Puja Panda servitors then chant mantras and infuse life into the idol. Then bhoga is offered to the idol before being immersed in the pond. After immersion, lord Sudarshan proceeds to four ashrams and returns to the temple late in the night.
On this day, Devi Subhadra ties rakhis on the wrists of her brothers—Lord Jagannath and Balabhadra. While Lord Jagannath’s rakhi is red and yellow, Lord Balabhadra’s rakhi is blue and violet. Members of Patara Bisoi servitors make these rakhis.
PNN