Lord Jagannath Daily Rituals
Followed at Isnapur Temple, Hyderabad
At Isnapur's Lord Jagannath Temple, the daily and periodical rituals are performed with utmost devotion and discipline, reflecting the eternal dignity and grandeur that the Supreme Being rightfully deserves.
The ritual system is rich and complex, involving a number of dedicated sevakas (servitors). The rituals of Lord Jagannath here are broadly categorized into:
Daily rituals (Nitis)
Occasional (periodical) rituals
Festive rituals
The daily rituals (nitis) follow a precise and sacred schedule from early morning to midnight. Each sevaka has a defined role and time, in alignment with the traditions of Jagannath worship. Below is a brief overview of these daily rituals as practiced at Isnapur Jagannath Temple, Hyderabad:
DWARAPHITA
Opening of the Temple Doors
Performed by a team of sevakas who inspect the seals placed the previous night, break them, and open the temple doors, including the inner sanctum.
MANGALA ALATI
Auspicious Lamp Offering
Sevakas perform three types of Alatis—Karpura (camphor), Bati (ghee lamp), and Pithau (wicks dipped in sandalwood)—in front of the Lord.
MAILAM
Removal of Previous Night's Dress & Flowers
Deities are prepared for the day by removing the floral decorations and night clothing. Cotton garments (Tadap and Uttariya) are offered.
ABAKASHA
Morning Ablutions
Involves cleaning of the deities' teeth and bathing, done symbolically using brass mirrors. Water mixed with camphor, curd, amla, sandalwood, and flowers is used.
MAILAM & BESHALAGI
Change of Dress and Flower Decoration
After bathing, new clothes and fresh garlands are adorned by the sevakas.
ROSHA HOMA
Kitchen Fire Ritual
Before cooking begins, a fire sacrifice is performed in the temple kitchen by a Puja Panda sevaka.
SURYA PUJA
Sun Worship
Worship of Surya Deva (Sun God) is done near the temple's designated Surya Sthala.
DWARAPALA PUJA
Guardian Deities Worship
Worship of the temple's guardian deities Jaya and Vijaya is performed at the main entrance.
GOPAL BALLAV BHOGA
Breakfast Offering
The first food offering of the day includes sweets, fruits, curd, and tender coconut. Offered with Pancha Upacharas.
SAKALA DHUPA
Royal Morning Food Offering
Main meal of the morning: varieties of rice, dal, curries, and traditional Odisha dishes are offered using 16 Upacharas.
BHOGA MANDAP
Community Food Offering
A special offering is made for the community and pilgrims. Annabhoga (cooked rice and side dishes) is offered in large quantities.
MADHYAHNA DHUPA
Midday Food Offering
Similar to the Sakala Dhupa, with more emphasis on sweets and cooked dishes.
SANDHYA ALATI
Evening Lamp Offering
Evening lamp offerings are made after the deities are freshly dressed.
SANDHYA DHUPA
Evening Bhoga Offering
Watered rice and evening snacks like Puli, Amalu are offered.
MAILAM & CHANDANALAGI
Change of Dress and Sandalwood Anointing
Post-dhupa change of dress followed by application of sandalwood, camphor, and saffron paste.
BADASINGHARA BESHA
Night Decoration
Deities are dressed in silken robes (Baralagi Patta) embedded with verses from Geeta Govinda and adorned with tulsi, flowers, and holy basil.
BADASINGHARA DHUPA
Final Food Offering
Pakhala (watered rice), Khiri, Kadalibada, and other dishes are offered with Pancha Upacharas.
KHATASEJA LAGI & PAHUDA
Retiring for the Night
The Lord is laid to rest. Green coconut, betel leaves, and camphor are offered. The sanctum doors are sealed until the next morning.
Sevakas and Timing
Timings may occasionally vary depending on special festivals or temple logistics.
Periodical Rituals
In addition to daily rituals, there are special periodical rituals (Samayika Niti) performed on specific days and occasions. Learn more about these sacred traditions.
View Periodical Rituals