Bhubaneswar: The sacred Adhara Pana ritual, one of the most significant ceremonies associated with the annual Rath Yatra, was performed with great devotion on Sunday atop the three majestic chariots of Mahaprabhu Jagannath, Mahaprabhu Balabhadra and Maa Subhadra. The chariots were stationed near the Singhadwar (Lion’s Gate) of the Shree Jagannath Temple, drawing lakhs of devotees to witness the centuries-old tradition.
Observed on Asadha Shukla Dwadashi, the ritual takes place after the grand Suna Besha and just before the deities’ ceremonial return to the sanctum during Niladri Bije. The spiritual significance and visual grandeur of the ritual made it one of the most anticipated events of the Rath Yatra festivities.
Unique Offering for Divine Companions
During the ritual, temple priests offered a specially prepared sweet drink known as Adhara Pana to the deities. The drink was placed in tall cylindrical earthen pots positioned close to the lips of the deities seated on their respective chariots. After the offering was completed, the pots were ceremonially broken, allowing the sacred drink to spill onto the chariots.
— Shree Jagannatha Temple, Puri (@JagannathaDhaam) July 26, 2026
Unlike other temple offerings, Adhara Pana is not meant for devotees. According to Jagannath tradition, it is dedicated to the divine attendants, guardian deities and celestial beings believed to accompany and protect the deities throughout the Rath Yatra. The breaking of the pots symbolises that these unseen companions partake in the offering before the deities return to the temple. This ritual reflects the inclusive philosophy of Jagannath culture, extending compassion and gratitude beyond humanity to all visible and invisible beings associated with the divine journey.
Traditional Preparation and Ritual Process
The preparation of Adhara Pana follows age-old customs. The earthen pots used in the ritual are crafted by traditional potters from Kumbharpada, maintaining a legacy passed down through generations. The arrangements are jointly managed by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Raghab Das Mutt and Bada Odia Mutt.
— Shree Jagannatha Temple, Puri (@JagannathaDhaam) July 26, 2026
Water for the preparation is sourced from a sacred well near Chhauni Matha. The drink itself is made using a rich combination of ingredients including milk, fresh curd, water, sugar or jaggery, ripe bananas, coconut, seasonal fruits, milk cream, cheese, camphor, nutmeg, black pepper, cardamom and other aromatic spices.
Temple priests perform the offering after completing the Sodasha Upachara Puja, accompanied by Vedic chants and prayers seeking the welfare of all beings. The ritual also symbolises gratitude for the selfless service rendered by countless individuals during the Rath Yatra.
Devotional Atmosphere and Tight Security
The elaborate ritual commenced in the evening amid devotional chants, the blowing of conch shells and the rhythmic beating of traditional instruments. The Grand Road (Bada Danda) witnessed a massive gathering of devotees who thronged the area to witness the sacred ceremony, which continued late into the evening.
ଦେବୀ ସୁଭଦ୍ରାଙ୍କ ଦେବଦଳନ ରଥରେ ଅଧରପଣା ନୀତି ସମ୍ପନ୍ନ ହୋଇଛି।#Adharapana #Rathayatra2026 #JaiJagannatha #RathaJatra2026 #RathaYatra #ShreeJagannathaDhaam #Puri pic.twitter.com/tyVINDQW88
— Shree Jagannatha Temple, Puri (@JagannathaDhaam) July 26, 2026
Given the large turnout, Odisha Police and the district administration implemented extensive security and crowd management measures around the Singhadwar and along the Grand Road to ensure smooth conduct of the event. Surveillance, barricading and controlled movement systems were put in place to maintain order and safety.
Niladri Bije Today: Culmination of Rath Yatra
The Rath Yatra festival will culminate on Monday with Niladri Bije, one of the most emotionally significant rituals in the Jagannath tradition. On this day, Mahaprabhu Jagannath, Mahaprabhu Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra are ceremonially escorted from their chariots back into the sanctum sanctorum of the Shree Jagannath Temple after their nine-day sojourn to the Gundicha Temple.
A unique highlight of Niladri Bije is the symbolic reconciliation between Mahaprabhu Jagannath and Goddess Mahalaxmi. As per tradition, the Mahaprabhuoffers Rasgola to appease the Goddess, who is believed to be upset over His extended stay away from the temple. This ritual, known as Manabhanjana, showcases a deeply human aspect of divine relationships and is witnessed by thousands at the Singhadwar.
Detailed Ritual Schedule for Niladri Bije
As per the temple schedule, rituals will begin early in the morning at 4:00 AM with Mangala Alati, followed by Mailam, Tadaplagi, Abakasha and Gopal Ballav. The Sakala Dhupa will be conducted between 7:00 am and 8:00 am, followed by Mahasnana, Sarvanga, Madhyahna Dhupa, Besha, Sandhya Alati and Sandhya Dhupa.
The Niladri Bije process will formally begin in the afternoon. Between 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm, the Chara Bandha ritual will be performed, followed by the cleansing of the Ratna Singhasana. After Pushpanjali, the Pahandi procession will commence at around 4:00 PM.
Due to the Goti Pahandi and Manabhanjana rituals, the procession is expected to take nearly six hours, concluding by around 10:00 PM. Subsequently, Rundha rituals will be completed by 12:30 am, followed by Sarvanga and Shrimukha Khandua rituals performed by the Daitapati servitors.
Between 1:15 am and 2:15 am, Charamala will be conducted, after which Mahaprabhu Sudarshan will be escorted to the throne at around 2:30 am. This will be followed by Mailam, Chaka Pochha and ceremonial washing of the throne.
Later, MahaprabhuMadhava along with Shridevi and Bhudevi will be seated on the Singhasana. Post Mahasnana, rituals including Rosahoma, Chandan Lagi, Surya Puja and Dwarapala Puja will be performed.
The final rituals of Badasinghara Besha and Badasinghara Bhoga will take place at around 4:15 am, followed by Ratri Pahuda (night rest) at approximately 5:00 am, marking the conclusion of the grand Rath Yatra festival.
Spiritual Message of Universal Compassion
Both Adhara Pana and Niladri Bije underline the profound spiritual philosophy of Mahaprabhu Jagannath, one that embraces humility, inclusivity and universal compassion. These rituals serve as reminders that divine grace extends beyond human boundaries, encompassing every being connected to the cosmic journey of the Lord. As the curtains draw on this year’s Rath Yatra, devotees depart with a renewed sense of devotion, unity and spiritual fulfilment.
