PURI: The holy month of Margasira has entered the Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi, marking the beginning of the sacred three-day Dev Deepawali rituals at the Jagannath Temple in Puri. This spiritually significant period is dedicated to honouring divine ancestors, during which Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra appear in Shraddha Besha, and special lamps are offered in their name.
Ancestor Worship Over Three Sacred Days
According to temple tradition, the deities perform Deepadan (offering of lamps) and Shraddha rituals for different divine ancestors over the three days:
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Chaturdashi: Aditi and Kashyapa
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Amavasya: King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya
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Pratipada: Vasudeva–Devaki, Nanda–Yashoda, and King Indradyumna–Queen Gundicha
Each day after Dwipahara Dhoopa (midday prayer), the deities give darshan in Shraddha attire, symbolizing their reverence for ancestral souls.
Ceremonial Lamp Offering and Procession
In the evening, after Sandhya Dhoopa (evening prayer), three grand ceremonial lamps are taken to Bada Deula (main temple), Jagamohan, and Bhogamandap. In front of the holy Ratna Singhasan (jeweled throne), a symbolic small tree is crafted using rice, and 28 sacred lamps are lit as offerings to Mahaprabhu.
The three principal lamps are then worshipped and taken in a traditional procession around the temple.
Ancient Ritual Observed by Sevaks
During the procession, three Palia Pujapandas carry the ceremonial lamps to Jay-Vijay Dwara, where a priest sanctifies the rice mound with water while chanting sacred mantras. The lamps are then handed over to the Chunara Sevak, who uses ghee and oil provided by the Bada Odia Math to light lamps across the temple’s outer corridor.
Following tradition, the Chunara Sevak also lights the Chandraudiya lamp, chanting the name of the Gajapati Maharaja, praying for his prosperity and well-being.
Essence of Dev Deepawali in Puri
These rituals highlight the deep spiritual connection between the Jagannath tradition and ancestral devotion, divine remembrance, and enlightenment through light offerings. The Dev Deepawali ceremonies not only illuminate the temple but also revive centuries-old customs of reverence and gratitude.
