Puri, Sept 21: The final phase of the Sri Krishna Leela at the Srimandir in Puri will be observed on Monday with the traditional Kansa Badh ritual, marking the symbolic killing of demon king Kansa by Lord Krishna.
On the occasion, the sacred Bada Danda will take the form of Mathura, with various episodes from Lord Krishna’s divine pastimes enacted at different locations between Jagannath Ballav Math and the Singhadwara.
After the Madhyanna Dhupa, Sri Ramakrishna will receive the Agyanmala and be taken in a palanquin stationed near Bata Dwara. The Biman Badus will carry the palanquin out of the Srimandir and proceed towards the Labanikhia Mandap.
At the Labanikhia Mandap, the daughters-in-law of the Mahabhoi family will perform Bandapana for the two deities. Offerings of sara, labani and butter will be made to the deities, followed by the traditional Bandapana by the Bhitarchha Mahapatra.
The deities will then proceed to the area in front of Jagannath Ballav Math, where several episodes from the Krishna Leela will be enacted along the Bada Danda, including the Akrura Prastaba, Rajaka Prastaba and Dhanughar Prastaba.
A traditional wrestling sequence will be performed in front of Marichei Thakurani, followed by the Kubja Uddhar ritual in front of Srinahar. During the ritual, Trivakra, also known as Kubja, will receive the symbolic touch of Lord Krishna.
The palanquin will then proceed towards the Singhadwara. The much-awaited Kansa Badh ritual will be performed in front of the Singhadwara, symbolising Lord Krishna’s victory over Kansa.
Devotees are expected to gather in large numbers to witness the traditional enactment of the divine episodes associated with Lord Krishna’s Mathura Leela.
