The Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, is one of the most famous and sacred temples in India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, who is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple attracts millions of devotees every year who come to offer their prayers and seek blessings. Sahana Mela is an open darshan event at the Jagannath Temple, where devotees can have an unobstructed view of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra without any barriers or obstructions.
The temple management has introduced a special queue system called the Darshan system for devotees to maintain order and convenience. Only ticket holders are allowed in a special queue for darshan, which takes place through the lion’s gate. The temple opens at 5:30 a.m. every day, and after the Mangal Arathi, devotees are allowed for darshan.
One of the highlights of the temple’s daily rituals is the Sahana Mela, which takes place from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. During this time, devotees can have an open darshan of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra without a ticket. It’s a unique opportunity to see the deities up close and seek their blessings without having to purchase a ticket.
After the Sahana Mela, the temple continues with its regular schedule of rituals and puja. The Beshalagi puja starts at 8 a.m., followed by the Rosha Homa Surya Puja and Dwarapal, which takes place from 8:00-8:30 a.m. The Gopala Ballava Puja starts at 9 a.m., and breakfast is offered to the deities, including Khualadus, Ripe Banana, Khai (sweet popcorn), Kora (Coconut sweets), Coconut Chipped, and Curd as bhogas.
The Sakala Dhupa puja starts from 10 a.m., during which the morning food is offered to the deities. The Mailam and Bhoga Mandap puja starts after 10 a.m., during which the priests change the dress for the deities and offer bhogas in huge quantities like Curries, Saga, Rice, Dal, and Cakes of different kinds.
The Madhyana puja starts at 11 a.m. and continues for two hours, followed by the Madhyana Pahudha, which takes place from 1:00 p.m to 1.30 p.m. The Sandhya Aarati puja takes place at 5:30 p.m., followed by the Sandhya Dhupa puja from 7:00 p.m-8:00 p.m.
The Mailam and Chandana Lagi Seva is a special darshan where the deities are decorated with Sandlewood powder, Keshar, Camphor, and Kasturi. The Shri Jagannath Temple Administration sets the ticket price, devotees can purchase a ticket for a specified amount to participate in the darshan.
The Badashringar Vesha is another unique seva where the deities are decorated with Baralagi Patta and flower ornaments. The Badashringara Bhoga is the last bhog offered to the deities, which includes Kadali Bada, Kshiri, Pakhal (watered rice), and Kanji.
The Khata Seja Lagi and Pahuda puja is performed at 12 a.m., during which the deities retire to their beds. The doors are closed, and no devotees are allowed during this time.
In conclusion, the Sahana Mela is a unique opportunity for devotees to have an open darshan of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra without lot of crowd and rush. The special feature of this puja is that it is performed early in the morning, providing a serene and peaceful atmosphere for the devotees to offer their prayers to the deities.
Apart from Sahana Mela, the Jagannath Temple in Puri conducts various other sevas and rituals throughout the day, providing a range of opportunities for devotees to offer their prayers and seek blessings from the deities. Each seva has its own unique significance, and the devotees can witness the intricate rituals and decorations that go into the worship of Lord Jagannath.
Visiting the Jagannath Temple in Puri during these sevas is a spiritual experience that offers a glimpse into the rich traditions and culture of Odisha. The temple administration has made various arrangements to ensure the safety and comfort of the devotees, including the provision of special tickets and online booking facilities.
In conclusion, the Sahana Mela is just one of the many sevas that the Jagannath Temple offers, but it is a unique opportunity for devotees to have a peaceful and intimate darshan of the deities. The temple’s rich history and spiritual significance make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Indian culture and traditions.
