Puri, June 27: The Gajapati Maharaja of Puri, Divyasingha Deb, performed the sacred 'Chhera Pahanra' ritual on Friday, sweeping the floors of the chariots of Lord Jagannath and his siblings before their ceremonial procession, a key highlight of the annual Rath Yatra.
Dressed in pristine white attire and carried in a silver-plated palanquin, the ceremonial king of Puri made his way to the chariots. Once there, he climbed each of the chariots, using a broom with a golden handle to sweep their floors as priests chanted Sanskrit slokas. Flower petals and fragrant water were sprinkled over the chariots in reverence. The Maharaja also performed an aarti and the 'Chamer' seva to the deities.
The 'Chhera Pahanra' ritual, which is a part of the ancient tradition of 'Rajaniti,' is considered the duty of the Gajapati Maharaja as the first servitor of Lord Jagannath.
This ritual is also performed by the Gajapati Maharaja during other significant events like 'Snana Purnima' and 'Bahuda Yatra.'
The Maharaja began by offering prayers at the chariot of Lord Balabhadra, ‘Taladhwaj,’ followed by Lord Jagannath's ‘Nadighosh,’ and finally at Devi Subhadra's ‘Darpadalan.’ A messenger, deputed by the temple authorities, informs the Gajapati of the deities’ positions on the chariots before he performs the ritual.
After the ritual, the Gajapati Maharaja returns to the palace, and the chariots are prepared for the procession. The wooden horses, painted in brown, black, and white, are affixed to the three chariots and are later pulled by devotees.
The 'Chhera Pahanra' ritual carries a profound message of equality, symbolizing that all are equal before the Lord, irrespective of their social status.
