Puri, August 9: While the nation celebrates Rakshya Bandhan(Rakhi Purnami) with pomp and gaity, the Rakshya Bandhan rituals are performed in the Shree Jagannath Temple in Odisha’s Puri, as customary traditions popularly known as Balabhadra Janma & Gamha Purnami.
On the occasion, the deities in the shrine ties traditionally-crafted Rakshis(Wrist-brands) as common brothers do, from their only sister Subhadra after performing some specified rituals.
As per tradition, Devi Subhadra symbolically tied Reshami Rakhi(Rakshi made of silk) to her brothers, Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra.
The unique custom involved Patara Bisoyi servitors who prepared special "Pata Rakhis," which Devi Subhadra tied to her brothers today out of affection and love.
The preparation of the rakshis began after the completion of the Chitalagi Amavasya rituals in the temple. The temple administration provided Basunga Pata (cloth), which is then dipped in vibrant colors especially red, green, purple, and yellow for crafting facinating Rakshis for the deities.
Afterward, the servitors crafted four-layered rakshis for their deities. The red and yellow rakhi was meant for Lord Jagannath, while the purple and blue-colored rakhi was dedicated to Lord Balabhadra, according to some core servitors.
According to the Shree Jagannath Cult and Brahma Baibarta Purana, epical scriptures on Lord Jagannath & his recarnation Lord Vishnu, Godess Subhadra ties silk rakshis to her brothers and offer another one to Chakraraj Sudarshan out of eternal affection. On the other hand, she seeks utmost safety from her brothers who also fulfils it rightly at right time.
According to the scriptures, Lord Jagannath ensures safety & security of his only sister Subhadra at all odds even during the Rath Yatra or the Car Festival. To escort and safeguard her dear Subhadra during the 9-day festivity, Lord Jagannath deploys Lord Sudarshan to remain abode the Darpadalan, the chariot meant for Goddess Subhadra.
Tens of thousands of devotees thronged the Jagannath Temple today to have a darshan of the eternal love & affection, the humanic affairs of the Trinity.
