Puri, July 17: As the annual Rath Yatra draws lakhs of devotees to Puri, the Grand Road (Bada Danda) has become a hub of religious activity, with devotees participating in chariot pulling and purchasing religious items. Many devotees returning from Puri bring home idols of Lord Jagannath as a symbol of their devotion and worship them in their household shrines.

However, according to traditional beliefs, certain guidelines should be followed while keeping and worshipping Lord Jagannath’s idol at home. Jagannath preacher Pandit Surya Narayan Rath Sharma has shared details about these practices and the rituals associated with home worship.

According to Pandit Rath Sharma, there is no traditional practice of keeping the complete Chaturdha Murti — Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Goddess Subhadra, and Lord Sudarshan — for regular worship in individual homes. He said devotees may worship Lord Jagannath in forms such as Patitapavana or Dadhivamana along with their family deity.

He further stated that those who keep a Lord Jagannath idol at home should follow certain traditional restrictions regarding its size. As per his explanation, idols kept for home worship should not exceed 12 fingers in height, and larger idols do not have scriptural approval for household worship.

Pandit Rath Sharma also highlighted the importance of maintaining consistency in offerings. He said that once anna bhoga (cooked food offering) is started for Lord Jagannath at home, it should be continued regularly and should not be discontinued.

Guidelines for shops and commercial establishments

Speaking about placing Lord Jagannath’s images or idols in shops and business establishments, Pandit Rath Sharma advised devotees to be mindful of the surroundings.

He said that religious images should not be placed in unsuitable locations merely as a symbol of devotion. He particularly pointed out that establishments where food items involving onion and garlic are prepared should avoid keeping Lord Jagannath’s pictures or idols, as such practices are considered inappropriate according to his interpretation of religious traditions.

He appealed to devotees to maintain proper respect and ensure that Lord Jagannath’s idols and images are placed only in clean and suitable spaces meant for worship.