Odisha Heritage: Adhara Pana is one of the most significant rituals associated with the world-famous Ratha Jatra of Lord Jagannatha in Puri. It is observed on the eve of Niladri Bije, the ceremonial return of Lord Jagannatha, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra to the Jagannatha Temple after their annual sojourn.
The term Adhara means lip, while Pana refers to a sweet, refreshing drink. Prepared using fresh cheese (chhena), sugar, bananas, camphor and aromatic spices, the sacred beverage is considered a symbol of devotion and divine hospitality.
The Ritual
During the ceremony, the sacred drink is poured into nine large cylindrical earthen pots, three each for Lord Jagannatha, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra. The pots are placed before the deities seated on their respective chariots, and the offering is made amid Vedic chants and traditional rituals performed by the temple priests.
After the offering, the earthen pots are deliberately broken, allowing the sacred drink to flow over the chariots.
According to the Jagannatha tradition, this offering is not meant for the deities alone. It is dedicated to the countless guardian deities, celestial beings and unseen spirits believed to have accompanied and protected the divine siblings throughout the Ratha Jatra.
A Symbol of Universal Compassion
Adhara Pana beautifully reflects the inclusive philosophy of the Jagannatha tradition. It conveys the timeless message that every being, visible or invisible, divine or earthly, deserves respect, gratitude and care. The ritual stands as a powerful reminder of compassion, equality and the interconnectedness of all life, values that lie at the heart of Lord Jagannatha’s universal message.
