Bhubaneswar: Today, across the hallowed grounds of Odisha’s most prominent Shakti Peethas, the sacred ambiance of the 16-day-long Sodasha Upachara Puja reached a crescendo on its third day. From the ancient Cuttack Chandi Temple to the revered Maa Biraja Temple in Jajpur, Maa Sarala Temple in Jhankad, and the spiritual heart of Baripada, Maa Ambika Temple, a sea of devotees gathered to witness the Goddess in her resplendent daily Besha (divine attire) and partake in the intricate rituals.
The Sodasha Puja, a unique and elaborate 16-step worship ritual, began with great fervor on Mulashtami, and each passing day sees a new spiritual spectacle. The third day is no exception, and temples have been meticulously prepared to welcome thousands of pilgrims.
Maa Cuttack Chandi Dazzles in Golden Splendor
At the famous Cuttack Chandi Temple, the spiritual focal point of the Silver City, devotees were granted a rare and magnificent darshan of the Goddess in her resplendent ‘Suna Besha’ (Golden Attire). This specific adornment, where the deity is draped in an array of gold jewelry and ornaments, symbolizes divine opulence and grace. The sight of the beautifully decorated idol, radiating with the glow of pure gold, left devotees in awe and created an atmosphere of profound spiritual bliss. Temple authorities have made special arrangements to manage the massive crowds, ensuring a smooth and sacred experience for all.
Maa Biraja’s Sacred Rituals Continue
In Jajpur, the Sodasha Upachara Puja at the ancient Maa Biraja Temple is continuing with full adherence to age-old traditions. The day’s rituals included the continuation of the 16-step worship, with chanting of the Devi Mahatmya and other sacred mantras reverberating through the temple premises. The daily change in the Goddess’s Besha is a central attraction, and devotees flocked to the shrine to receive her blessings. The festival is not just a spiritual event but a celebration of Odia culture and heritage, with the sounds of traditional musical instruments and drumming filling the air.
Maa Sarala’s Divine Manifestations
Similarly, at the Maa Sarala Temple in Jhankad, Jagatsinghpur, the third day was celebrated with deep reverence. Known as one of the most significant Shakti Peethas, the temple is observing the Sodasha Puja with twice-daily performances of the elaborate 16-step rituals. Each day, the Goddess is adorned in a new attire, representing a different manifestation of her divine power. The spiritual atmosphere, punctuated by the fragrance of incense and the sound of temple bells, provides a tranquil and uplifting experience for the thousands who visit.
Maa Ambika, The Living Goddess, Draws Devotees in Baripada
In Baripada, the district headquarters of Mayurbhanj, the revered Maa Ambika Temple is at the center of the Sodasha Puja celebrations. Known as “The Living Goddess” to the people of Baripada, Maa Ambika is the presiding deity of the city. On the third day of the rituals, devotees thronged the temple to offer prayers and seek the blessings of the Mother Goddess. The temple, a significant pilgrimage site in the region, has been beautifully decorated, and special spiritual ceremonies are being performed by priests to honor the goddess. The daily Besha of Maa Ambika is a key highlight, with a specific adornment for the day captivating the hearts of the faithful.
The third day of the Sodasha Puja reinforces the deep-rooted faith of the people of Odisha. It serves as a powerful reminder of the triumph of good over evil and the unwavering belief in the divine feminine, providing a spiritual anchor for the state as it prepares for the culmination of the festive season.