Puri, July 18: The day after the Suna Besha, when the sibling deities shimmer in golden attire, large pots filled with a sweet beverage are carried to the three chariots as sacred offerings. This intriguing ritual, known as 'Adhara Pana' — 'Adhara' meaning 'Lip' and 'Pana' meaning 'Juice'—is observed on 'Asadha Sukla Pakhya Dwadashi'.
During the 'Adhara Pana' rituals, terracotta pots are placed on each chariot, which are parked near the Lion Gate of the 12th-century shrine.
These pots, filled with the sweet concoction, reach up to the deities' lips.
According to tradition, the 'Pania Apata Sevakas' fetch water from a well near 'Chhauni Matha' near 'Singha Dwara' or Lions Gate in Puri.
The 'Supakaras' then prepare the 'Pana' using milk cream, cheese, sugar, banana, camphor, nutmeg, black pepper, and other spices. The Patribadu, Suarabadu, Garabadu Palia Sevaka, and Pujapanda Sevaka offer the Pana to the deities.
Following the offering, the pots are broken to release the souls and other invisible beings residing in the chariots. This refreshment is exclusively for the gods and goddesses who remain on the chariots during Rath Yatra to guard Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra, hence referred to as ‘Rath Rakhyak’. Devotees are forbidden from partaking in this sacred drink.
The massive pots are crafted by the potters of Kumbharpada. Historically, twelve clay pots were used for this ritual, but now only nine are used. The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, along with the authorities of Raghab Das Mutt and Badaodia Mutt, arrange for the pots from local potters. These artisans use three sacks of fine soil and one sack of sand, taking at least a month to shape the special clay pots for the ritual.
The soil is meticulously filtered to remove all stones and debris. The sand is mixed in to form a paste, from which the pots are shaped. After sun-drying for a few days, the pots are baked. Each pot ideally stands about four feet tall and has a circumference of about four feet.
Potters maintain strict hygiene and adhere to food restrictions while preparing these pots. Women are traditionally not allowed to touch them.
The 'Adhara Pana' is typically offered after 'Madhyahna Dhupa' (the noon meal), followed by 'Sodasha Upachara Puja' (sixteen types of worship).
