Puri: With preparations are in full swing for the Bahuda Yatra (return journey) of Srimandir deities, priests at Mausi Maa temple here are all set to offer Podapitha (a special cake) to the Trinity Monday.
As per tradition, Lord Jagannath and siblings Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra are offered the special cake on their respective chariots during their return journey from Srigundicha temple to Srimandir. Nandighosha, Taladhwaja and Darpadalan chariots usually make a brief halt near the Mausi Maa temple during Bahuda Yatra for the unique ritual.
Legend says a river, named as Malini, was flowing in between Srimandir and Srigundicha temple long ago. The Gajapati rulers were then forced to construct six chariots for the annual Rath Yatra. Three chariots were used to carry the deities from Srimandir to the Malini riverbank while another three chariots were pressed into service for Lord Jagannath and his siblings’ journey once they ferried to the opposite side. It is believed that Lord Jagannath’s maternal aunt, Devi Ardhashosini, was instrumental in drying up Malini river for the smooth conduct of the Car Festival. In order to express his gratitude, Lord Jagannath had promised his aunt to make a halt near her temple and accept Podapitha during Bahuda Yatra.
Mausi Maa temple priests claim that they prepare the special cake by churning flour, cheese, sugar, ghee and some aromatic substances. “We fry the mix with pure ghee after keeping it on hot steam for seven to eight hours,” said Bishwanath Mishra a priest at Mausi Maa temple.
Mishra claims that he has been preparing Podapitha for Srimandir deities for the last 17 years. “Podapitha is baked in traditional chullahs. Pujapanda servitors distribute the specially-made cake among devotees after offering it to deities,” Mishra added.
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