Odisha: Lord Jagannath, his consort Mahalaxmi play gambling on ‘Kumar Purnima’ day
Puri (Odisha) , Oct 28 : ”Kumar Purnima”, a festival of spinisters was observed in Sri Jagannath temple on Saturday in a special way in which lord Jagannath and his consort Devi Mahalaxmi participated in a dice game (gambling) popularly called “Kauri Khela”.
As per the temple traditions, because of the lunar eclipse, the ritual schedules are advanced. Servitors escorted the moving idol of Devi Mahalaxmi to the sanctum sanctorum of the Lord Jagannath temple.
The ceremonial dice game was played atop the Ratnasimhasan between the servitors playing on behalf of the Lord Jagannath and Mahalaxmi.
Conventional coin “Kauri”(small conch cells) , the old medium of exchange, was used in the game.
In the final game, Lord Jagannath conceded defeat.The servitors of Mahalaxmi escorted the representing image of Lord Jagannath- Neela Madhav as hostage and carried him to the Mahalaxmi temple where the Lord will remain for a week.
During the week-long punishment, LordNilamadhav remains tied to the throne of Mahalaxmi.
Though this event is traditionally observed late in the night this year due to the eclipse it was observed before noon.
Taking clues from deities, devotees and the residents too gamble in large scale throughout the night. Popular belief goes that gambling on this night brings wealth and prosperity.
Huge crowds of visitors, especially young girls were seen enjoying the beach in Puri and Chandrabhaga near Konark. Roadside fast food eateries including Pani puri shops have a good day for business.
On this day Mahalaxmi pooja also began. Many puja pandals were raised across the town. Huge idols of Mahalaxmi are installed and offered prayers. The puja in pandals will continue for a week.
The day is also celebrated as Kumar purnima, a festival dedicated to the spinsters. All the girls wore new clothes and worshipped lord Kartik to grant them suitable bridegrooms.
In the evening the traditional “Chanda Chakata” a sweetmeat prepared of “cheese, paneer, lia and Khai “besides floral service was offered to moon God and distributed.
However, due to the lunar eclipse the offering to the moon by the young girls was advanced and completed before the lunar eclipse begins.
