Puri, July 26 (UDN): The spiritual fervour of Rath Yatra 2026 continues in Puri as devotees prepare to witness Adharapana Niti, one of the most significant rituals of the annual chariot festival, on Sunday. Observed a day after the grand Suna Besha, the ceremony is believed to bring salvation to the subsidiary deities and unseen spiritual beings accompanying the divine siblings during their annual sojourn.
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Deeply rooted in Jagannath tradition, the ritual reflects the belief that Lord Jagannath’s grace extends beyond human devotees to celestial beings, departed souls and invisible entities who are also considered participants in the Rath Yatra.
A Unique Offering on the Chariots
During Adharapana Niti, a specially prepared sweet beverage known as Adharapana is offered to Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra while they remain seated on their respective chariots.
The drink is placed in tall earthen pots, specially crafted to reach the lips of the deities. The offering is prepared using a traditional blend of ingredients, including milk, cream, chhena, ripe bananas, sugar, black pepper powder, nutmeg, camphor and sacred water.
The holy water used in the preparation is brought by the Pania Apata servitors from the historic well at Chhauni Math, near the Singhadwara of the Jagannath Temple.
Why the Pots Are Broken
Nine earthen pots are used during the ritual, with three placed on each of the three chariots. Unlike regular offerings made for devotees, Adharapana is believed to be meant exclusively for the Parswa Devatas (subsidiary deities) and other invisible spiritual beings believed to accompany the deities throughout the Rath Yatra.
After the offering is completed by the Puja Panda servitors, the pots are ceremonially smashed on the chariots. According to tradition, this symbolic act allows the sacred drink to be received by these divine and spiritual entities, granting them liberation and blessings.
Countdown to Niladri Bije
With the completion of Adharapana Niti, the annual Rath Yatra will move towards its concluding chapter—Niladri Bije, scheduled for Monday, July 27. During this ritual, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra will leave their chariots and ceremonially return to the Srimandir, where they will once again be seated on the Ratna Singhasana, marking the end of this year’s Rath Yatra festivities.
The Adharapana Niti remains one of the most distinctive rituals of Jagannath culture, symbolising compassion, inclusivity and the belief that the Lord’s blessings embrace every form of life and existence.