The story you mentioned involves the three-day-long Deba Dipabali festival, during which Lord Jagannath is believed to offer pinda (obsequies) to various parental figures from different incarnations. The ritual symbolizes reverence and gratitude towards these figures.
- First Day – King Indradyumna.:
On the first day, Lord Jagannath offers pinda to King Indradyumna, who is said to have installed the divine Trinity in the temple. As part of a legend, King Indradyumna sought a boon to end his dynasty, ensuring that none of his successors could claim ownership of the temple. Lord Jagannath granted this wish by offering pinda to Indradyumna. - Second Day – King Dasarath, Basudev, and Devaki:
On the second day, Lord Jagannath, identified as an incarnation of Sri Ram, offers pinda to his father, King Dasarath. Additionally, being the incarnation of Lord Krishna, he offers pinda to his original parents, Basudev and Devaki. - Concluding Day – Nanda and Yashoda:
On the concluding day, Lord Jagannath is said to offer pinda to his foster parents, Nanda and Yashoda.
During the three-day Deba Dipabali festival in Jagannath Puri, the Shradh Besha is a significant observance on the 14th day of the dark fortnight of Margasir Month. Lord Jagannath adorns a special attire and, in accordance with Hindu culture, symbolically offers shraadha Tarpan to his parents—Dasarath, Nanda, and Basudev.
These rituals and stories are deeply ingrained in the cultural and religious practices associated with the worship of Lord Jagannath in the Jagannath Puri temple in Odisha. The Deba Dipabali festival is an important occasion marked by these symbolic offerings and rituals, reflecting the rich mythology and devotion surrounding Lord Jagannath.
