Puri deities on chariots offered Adhar Pana

A day before departure to Ratnasinghasan of Shreemandira, the sibling deities, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, were offered Adhar Pana (a special sweet drink) on the chariots on Tuesday evening.

As many as nine giant pots containing Adhar Pana were offered to the deities. After the offering was over, the pots were dumped on the floor of chariots making Adhar Pana to spill all over the wooden floor.

The intent of dumping of pot was to reach Adhar Pana at junior Lords and evil powers already rested on the chariots.

The priests offered Adhar Pana performing special Puja on the chariots. After the Puja was over, the earthen pots were broken on the chariots and Adhar Pana spilled over the wooden floor and reached ground.

It is believed that several evil spirits, ghostly bodies and dissatisfied souls trailing the deities during the Rath Yatra are satiated once they consume the Pana.

The Adhar Pana, a refreshing scented drink, made up of milk, sugar, cheese, banana, camphor, nuts, black pepper etc mixed with extracts from holy basil, is offered to the deities on the 11th day of Rath Yatra near the Lions Gate.

As per the ritual, the Adhar Pana is not for the people, but it is only for evil spirits and the minor deities (Parswa Devtas) present at the side of three chariots.

The smashing of these earthen pots is made to ensure that devotees do not get it and all these invisible forces and Parswa Devatas consume.

The Raghavadas Mutt, Odia Mutt and temple administration together supply earthen pots and the Adhar Pana.

The nine cylindrical tall pots made up of earth are specially designed by Kumbar servitors. The pots are traditionally supplied by designated families every year.

Each deity is offered three pots on their respective chariots. On Wednesday, the deities will leave chariots for Ratnasinghasan, bringing an end to the RathYatra this year.