Jagannath Rath Yatra 2023: Know Traditional Medicines Used To Treat Lord Jagannath Ahead Of Chariot Festival

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Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, which is known a chariot festival is a popular event which can be traced back to the 12th century and finds mention in Hindu sacred texts such as the Padma Purana, the Brahma Purana and the Skanda Purana. This year it will begin on 20 June 2023 and end on 1 July 2023.

We all know that Lord Jagannath falls sick every year and according to certain stories and legends, he was given traditional medicines and treated for 15 days after which the Lord fully recovers.

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2023: Traditional Medicines Given To The Deities During Anasara Period

According to legends and numerous mythological stories, Lord Jagannath falls ill every 15 days just before the festival. On the full moon day of the Jyestha month, Lord Jagannath, sister Subhadra and elder brother Balabhadra are brought out of the temple and given a holy bath in cold water. This is known as Snana Yatra Day. Due to this, Lord Jagannath catches fever and stays in his bedroom for 15 days in a resting posture.

When Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Lord Subhadra get sick, a special ritual is being followed in the temple situated at Puri, Odisha. It is believed that the Lord and his siblings go through 14 days' anasara ritual in which they are quarantined till they recover from illness. During this phase, devotees can neither ring bell in the temple nor they are allowed to have a darshan of the deities.

Special care is taken of the Lord and he is given simple food, usually khichdi and traditional ayurvedic or herbal medicines for 15 days. Also, before he goes to sleep, milk is offered to him and a cool paste is also applied. This is called the Anasara period and during this time devotees are not allowed to see the Lord. Let us know in detail about these traditional medicines.

1. 'Dasamula' and 'Pana Bhoga'

Fruits and water are offered to the Lord as a part of the ritual on these days. There is a belief that ​Dasamula medicines are an important part of the recovery process. Also, regional media reports had quoted the servitors who said medicines like Jhuna, Kaintha Atha are essential ingredients that are used for the recovery of the deities.

2. 'Phuluri Tela'

For the treatment of the deities, Phuluri tela, which is a special oil is used in the ritual which is prepared using fragrant herbal ingredients such as jasmine, champa, sandalwood powder, camphor, and others. This oil is applied to the wooden idols of the deities.

3. 'Kasturi Nabhi'

Another surprising part of the treatment is use of 'Kasturi Nabhi, mentions a news report. The idols of the sibling deities are changed only once every 8th, 9th or 12 years, which marks the Nabakalebara of the deities. This is to protect the idols from the insects and bugs because they are made from wood. For this purpose, Kasturi Nabhi is brought from Nepal.

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