Puri, Oct 3: On Mulashtami, the sacred Sahasra Kumbhabhisek and Devi Utthapan rituals will be performed at the Srimandir in Puri, marking the beginning of the 16-day worship of Goddess Durga and other deities at the Shakti Peethas of Srikshetra.
On the occasion, the golden idol of Goddess Durga will be brought from the Ratna Bhandar of the Srimandir and placed on the Ratna Singhasana. After receiving the Agyan Mala from Goddess Subhadra, the deity will proceed to the Somanath Mandap.
There, the ritual cleansing of the deity will be performed, followed by a change of attire. The ceremonial dressing of the Goddess will then be completed before the Sahasra Kumbhabhisek ritual is performed as per tradition.
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The occasion will also mark the beginning of the Durga-Madhab worship at the Srimandir during the Sharadiya Puja.
Durga-Madhab Worship at Srimandir
In the tradition of Srikshetra, Madhab is regarded as a form of Lord Jagannath. While the worship of Goddess Durga alongside Lord Shiva is followed in many places, the tradition at Puri involves the worship of Durga with Madhab.
On Saturday afternoon, Madhab will receive the Agyan Mala and proceed to the Bhandar Dwara. Goddess Durga will already be present there. As per ritual tradition, both deities will be ceremonially joined before being taken to the Jagamohan of Maa Bimala Temple for worship.
Durga Puja Rituals and Bahara Bije
The major Durga Puja rituals will be observed on Maha Saptami on October 17, Maha Ashtami on October 18 and Maha Navami on October 19.
The Bahara Bije of Durga-Madhab will begin from October 11, the ninth day of the Shola Puja. On this occasion, the deities will be carried in a chariot-shaped vimana to the Narayani Temple at Dolamandap Sahi, located in front of the Srimandir.
The Dashahara Puja will be observed on October 21, marking the culmination of the major Sharadiya rituals at Srimandir.
