The Ritual of Gamha Purnima, Lord Balabhadra’s Birthday and Raksha Bandhan Celebration (Ritual #11)
“Raksha Bandhan”, or “Rakhi”, is a sacred festival celebrating the eternal bond between siblings, where a sister ties a protective thread on her brother’s wrist, symbolizing love, trust, and mutual protection. In the holy city of Puri, Odisha, this tradition takes on a deeply spiritual dimension at the Jagannath Temple—the only temple in India dedicated to the divine siblings: Lord Jagannatha (a form of Krishna), Lord Balabhadra (Balarama), and their sister, Goddess Subhadra.
During “Raksha Bandhan”, Goddess Subhadra Devi lovingly ties silk 'Pata Rakhis' on her brothers, embodying the festival's true spirit. This ritual, known as “Rakhi Lagi Niti”, reflects the affectionate and protective bond shared between the deities. The “Rakhi’s” are meticulously prepared by the Patara Bisoyi servitors, beginning after Chitalagi Amavasya. Using Basunga Pata (silk cloth provided by the temple), they create vibrant rakhis in red, yellow, green, and purple hues by combing and layering the cloth into concentric circles. Four rakhis are made for the two main deities, along with ten smaller ones for the Parswa Devatas (minor deities). Additionally, 54 Guamalas - areca nut garlands, are crafted: red and yellow for Lord Jagannath, and blue and purple for Lord Balabhadra.
�“Gamha Purnima” festive celebration on “Raksha Bandhan” holds deep ritualistic and spiritual significance at the Shree Mandira, Puri, Odisha. On this sacred day, Lord Balabhadra Birthday is celebrated and Goddess Subhadra ties specially crafted I to her brothers, Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra, symbolizing their divine sibling bond. The divine birthday of Lord Balabhadra, regarded as the protector of farmers. Special rituals in his honour mark the day, reflecting both agricultural reverence and the enduring sacred bond among the sibling deities.
The story is further echoed during the famous Rath Yatra, when Goddess Subhadra ties ‘Rakhi’s” to both the brother Lord Balabhadra and Lord Jagannatha to ensure the safe journey of her brothers to the Gundicha Temple.
These festivals, celebrated during Dakshinayana, a spiritually introspective period that highlight the importance of pure, devotional relationships in times of inner turbulence. In Vaishnavite scripture, Lord Jagannath is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Lord Balabhadra of Lord Seshnag, and Goddess Subhadra of Goddess Yogamaya, the divine energy that facilitates devotional service. Their bond is not only familial but symbolic of divine harmony and spiritual connection.
The Divine Lessons from Lord Jagannatha and Goddess Subhadra
�The sacred bond between Lord Jagannath and Goddess Subhadra beautifully reflects the core values of “Raksha Bandhan”, unconditional love, protection, sacrifice, and unity.
Goddess Subhadra’s deep concern for her brothers, especially during the Rath Yatra, embodies the protective nature of sibling love. Her act of tying the “Rakhi” is a symbol of care that transcends the divine and mirrors the devotion siblings show in everyday life. The three deities, Lord Jagannatha, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra are never depicted alone, highlighting the inseparable unity and mutual respect that define true familial bonds.
Their divine story reminds us that “Raksha Bandhan” is more than a ritual; it is a celebration of selfless love, unwavering support, and spiritual connection. As Goddess Subhadra tied “Rakhis” to her brothers, let us also offer threads of love, respect, and commitment to those we hold dear, honouring the sacred beauty of sibling relationships.
��Jai Jagannatha! ��
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