ARTIST: Guru Rupashree Mohapatra
The Mahari seva (service) was once an integral part of the daily Nitis ( rituals ) conducted in the Jagannath Temple. Many researchers have given varied opinions about its inception as a seva in the temple. But the fact is that it started from the day of installation of the temple deities. This aforementioned argument is further proven in the “Niladri Mahodaya” (text in which the temple are enshrined ) where Lord Brahma instructs King Indradyumna about the mode of worship.
Ghanta mardalayorabaha pujayam prtyaham nrupa Pujabasanaparyanta mebam syanrutyagitake (N.M, Chap:/, Sh:11/ )
Oh King ! During the ritual proceedings, daily, there should be arrangement for the playing of the Ghanta (brass-plate instrument ), Mardala (percussion ) and Dance. This should continue till the Puja ( worship) is over.
