The Jagannath Rath Yatra held every year in Puri, Odisha, includes a tradition that leaves many onlookers puzzled. During the yatra, large earthen pots filled with a special offering are deliberately smashed on the chariots, yet neither the priests nor any devotee present ever eats this prasad. So why is this ritual carried out, and what belief lies behind it? Here is a closer look at the story.
The mystery behind the Adhar Pana ritual
The tradition of spilling prasad during the yatra is known as Adhar Pana, and it is considered one of the most important rituals of the entire journey. This special rite is performed every year on the Trayodashi tithi of the Ashadha month. On this day, earthen pots are filled with a special white coloured beverage. This drink is prepared using milk, paneer, sugar, banana, basil (tulsi), cinnamon, nutmeg and several other fragrant ingredients. Once filled into large earthen vessels, it is offered to invisible powers. According to belief, it is not only humans who take part in this yatra, invisible and sacred powers are also said to join it. To satisfy these unseen forces, the pots containing this special offering placed on the chariots are broken open.
How this unique tradition is carried out
As part of this ritual during the Rath Yatra, three large earthen pots are filled with this special sherbet. These three pots are then placed on the three chariots in such a way that their height reaches close to the lips of the deity. After the puja and rituals are completed, these pots are broken, causing the prasad to flow out and spread all around the chariot. This is a mahaprasad of Jagannath Dham that cannot be accepted by any devotee, nor by the temple priests.
Why humans cannot consume this offering
According to scriptures and popular belief, this bhog is meant for the subtle beings, souls and otherworldly powers who join the yatra to have darshan of the deity. Humans, however, are strictly forbidden from touching this prasad. It is believed that if any human attempts to consume this offering, it is considered a direct interference in the rights of these invisible powers. This is why, even today, this centuries old rule is followed with great care, and no one, whether priest or devotee, dares to touch this particular offering.
