Shri Jagannath , siblings retreat to Anasara Ghar

Puri, June 15: The sibling deities were taken to Anasara Ghar (an asylum for the sick) on Jagannath Temple premises in Puri, after the deities have fallen ill. The devotees are forbidden from seeing the idols of the Lords. The three deities are believed to have developed a fever after the prolonged bathing on Devasnana Purnima day. The deities, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Lord Jagannath, are kept in the ‘Anasara Pindi’ where they are ‘treated’ with natural herbal medicines, and specially prepared oils. The ailing deities are only offered only fruits and water, mixed with cheese and ‘Dasamula’ (herbal) medicines while Daitapati Sevayats (the priests who carry out holy rituals) now perform secret rituals to cure them. During ‘Anasara’ period, Patti Dians, which are traditional Pattachitra paintings of the three deities in striking colours, are worshipped at the temple. In the paintings, Lord Jagannath is depicted as Lord Vishnu, Devi Subhadra as Adishakti and Lord Balabhadra as Lord Shiva. Dasaavatara (ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu) idol is also worshipped during this period. Mangala Alati and Abakasha Niti rituals are performed near Patti Dians. Gopala Ballava Bhoga is offered to them and the Dasaavatara idol, following which Sakala Dhupa ritual is observed, followed by Bhoga Mandap and Madhyanaa Dhupa rituals. It is part of the faith that on the Dashami, the deities regain their balance and strength. The next day, the deities are painted in a new colour to protect the wooden idol from damage. The 15th day, the deities are dressed up in Nabajoubana Besha. During the Nabajoubana Darshan, the devotees are allowed to see all the three deities.