Banakalagi Niti: Ritual of Divine Image Painting to Grace Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri
Puri: In a continuation of the revered traditions at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, the Banakalagi Niti, a ritual involving the painting of the images of Lord Jagannath and his divine siblings Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, is set to take place tomorrow (Wednesday). Devotees are advised that the temple will be temporarily closed from approximately 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM to facilitate the completion of the second ‘bhoga mandapa’ for this sacred ceremony.
The Banakalagi, also known as Shreemukha Singhara, is a ritual performed every Wednesday or Thursday, adding a touch of grandeur and spirituality to the weekly routine at the temple.
During this ceremonial event, three Dattamahapatra sevaks, equipped with a unique paste known as ‘Banaka,’ ascend the Ratna Simhasan, the bejeweled throne, to commence the Banakalagi. The Banaka paste is prepared using natural colors such as Hingula, Haritala, Kasturi, Keshar, along with the glue of Kaintha. The meticulous preparation of Banaka is an integral part of the ritual, symbolizing the purity and sanctity associated with the divine act of painting.
As the Dattamahapatra sevaks carry out this service to the middle ‘Bada,’ the palia Mekap, holding the baitha (lamp), symbolically transfers the light from the Akhanda, illuminating the spiritual ambiance of the temple.
Upon the completion of the Banakalagi, the Dattamahapatra sevaks gracefully descend from the Ratna Simhasan. Subsequently, the temple doors are opened to allow devotees to witness the adorned deities during the darshan, marking the culmination of this ancient and spiritually significant ritual.
The Banakalagi Niti holds immense cultural and religious significance, showcasing the devotion and meticulous attention to detail that characterize the rituals at the Shree Jagannath Temple. Devotees and pilgrims eagerly anticipate this weekly ceremony, where tradition and spirituality converge to create a divine spectacle in the heart of Puri.
