Maa Bimala’s Shodasha Puja
The Shodasha Upachara Puja, part of the Sharadiya festival, has commenced today in the sacred city of Srikshetra, particularly at the revered Bimala Temple in the Govardhan Peeth, Puri.
All traditional preparations for the Sharadiya Durga Puja have been meticulously arranged across Srikshetra. In keeping with tradition, Acharya selection rituals have been conducted in all Shakti Peeths located in Srikshetra.
On this occasion, the classical Brahmins have begun the sixteen-day Shodasha Puja rituals at Maa Bimala’s temple, where she is worshipped as Kshetrashwari. Similarly, the Bimala Temple within the Jagannath Temple premises has also commenced this traditional 16-day long Shodasha Upachara Puja.
As per the rituals of the Shodasha Puja, sacred chants, Durga worship, and other religious observances will be held in the various Shakti Peeths in Puri. Alongside Bimala Temple, the Bhubaneswari, Batamangala, Uttarayani, Dakshina Kali, Alamchanti, and Panchamukhi Peeths within the Jagannath Temple premises have also initiated the Shodasha Puja.
With the onset of Sharadiya Puja rituals in Srikshetra, special emphasis is also given within the Jagannath Temple to Durga Madhava worship and the sacred secret rituals known as Gupt Gundicha during this time.
