Chandan Besha of Maa Mangala and Snana Yatra of Dadhivamana Observed
Kakatpur, Date 22/6 (Tushar Dixit): Today marks the sacred occasion of Debasnana Purnima. On this auspicious day, the ceremonial bathing of Lord Jagannath and the Chaturdha Murti (four deities) takes place, which heralds the beginning of the grand Rath Yatra. On this special occasion, an independent tradition and ritual is observed at the Maa Mangala Temple in Kakatpur.
As per the temple tradition, Maa Mangala was adorned in a full-body Chandan Besha (sandalwood adornment) on the occasion of Debasnana Purnima. Around 8 to 10 kg of sandalwood was used for this purpose, along with aromatic ingredients like camphor, agaru (agarwood), and nutmeg. The Maa Mangala Temple Trust Board made independent arrangements for the ritual.
At around 4 PM, Maa Mangala was given a ceremonial bath with scented water, followed by an application of the sandalwood paste on Her entire body. She was then adorned with pure white silk garments, and white flowers were offered near the deity. Devotees from different parts of the state arrive to witness this rare and divine form of the goddess.
It is believed, as per ancient scriptures, that witnessing this sacred adornment absolves devotees of sins from countless past lives.
On the other hand, the Snana Niti (bathing ritual) of Lord Dadhivamana, whose idol is located in the outer premises of Maa Mangala Temple, was also performed. At 7 AM, the Lord was bathed, anointed with Tadapa (a sacred cloth), and adorned in Mailam Besha (a simple attire). He was then taken to the Snana Bedi (bathing altar) in a ceremonial procession. After the ritual bath, the Sevayats (temple priests) offered Bal Dhoopa (childlike incense) and Khechudi Bhoga (a traditional offering of rice and lentils). In the evening, the deity was dressed in the Hati Besha (elephant attire).
Later at night, the Lord was adorned in Badasinghara Besha (royal nighttime attire) and ceremonially taken to the Anasara Pindi (quarantine chamber) in a grand procession.
According to the temple trust and local officials—Tahasildar Ankita Anindita and Executive Officer Kailash Chandra Dash—Lord Dadhivamana will now be considered unwell and will rest in isolation for 15 days. He will reappear in the Nabajouban Besha (youthful form) and give darshan (audience) to devotees.
