Puri: On the full moon day of Shravan, marked the auspicious birth anniversary of Shri Balabhadra Deb, the revered elder brother of Lord Jagannath. The celebrations at the temple were filled with profound devotion and ancient rituals, honoring the divine sibling.
At the heart of the ceremony was a sacred tradition that began at noon. Following a solemn offering of incense, the divine Chakraraja, Shri Sudarshan Deb, was taken in a grand procession to the holy Markand Pushkarini. In this sacred pond, a unique ritual unfolded: an idol of Lord Balabhadra was meticulously crafted from clay, imbued with life through a powerful invocation.
The idol was then purified with “five treatments” – a series of ritualistic practices designed to sanctify and honor the deity. This was followed by a sacred cold shower, a symbolic act of cooling and purification. A solemn vow was then taken, reaffirming the devotees’ commitment and reverence. Finally, in a moving display of devotion and spiritual release, the clay idol was immersed in the Markand Pushkarini, completing the cycle of creation and dissolution.
This beautiful ceremony is a testament to the enduring faith and deep-rooted traditions that honor Lord Balabhadra Deb. It serves as a powerful reminder of the sacred bond between the divine siblings and the eternal cycle of life, creation, and spiritual surrender.