Banakalagi Niti: The Sacred Ritual of Revitalising Lord Jagannath's Divine Aura

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PURI: The holiness and devotion ingrained in the temple's traditions are exemplified by the Banakalagi Niti, one of the most treasured rites of the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha. The gods of Devi Subhadra, Lord Balabhadra, and Lord Jagannath are meticulously painted with fresh hues in this sacred ceremony known as the Shrimukha Sringara. 

What Time Does the Ritual Happen? 

The lunar calendar states that the Banakalagi Niti is held on specific days, usually Wednesdays or Thursdays. To highlight the ritual's secrecy, the temple's main sanctuary is not open for public darshan (viewing) on certain days. 

How Is the Ritual of Banakalagi Performed? 

The rite is performed with the highest dedication and accuracy. A holy paste known as Banaka is made by three Dattamahapatra Sevakas, the temple's appointed servants. To guarantee authenticity and purity, natural materials are ground to create this paste. 

The sevakas mount the Ratna Singhasana, the magnificent throne where the deities are enthroned, as soon as the Banaka is prepared. The faces of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Sudarshana Chakra are meticulously repainted using the paste. Reflecting the temple's long history, the procedure is rich in custom and symbolism. 

The Divinity Colours 

The Banakalagi ritual's colours are drawn from natural sources and have profound spiritual meaning: 

• Red, or Haritala: a symbol of strength and vitality. 
• Hengula (yellow): Stands for prosperity and knowledge. 
• White, or Sankha: a symbol of holiness and purity. 
• Black: Denotes eternity and the universal truth. 

The application of each colour guarantees that the idols' heavenly essence is revitalised, and each colour is carefully blended to preserve its holiness. 

What Banakalagi Niti Means 

The Banakalagi Niti is a significant gesture of dedication more than just a cosmetic procedure. The deities' divine aura is thought to be revitalised by this ritual, preparing them to bless followers. Shrouded in mystery, the rite emphasises how close servitors are to the almighty. 
Two Odia words—Bana, which means forest, and Lagi, which means to apply—are the origin of the name Banakalagi. This shows that the holy colours were prepared using natural forest elements. 

An Uncommon Chance for Devotees 

Although the Banakalagi Niti is not visible to the outside world, the temple grounds are profoundly affected spiritually. Even though they might not be there for the ceremony, devotees experience the resurrected deity at later darshans. 
The ritual reflects the timeless traditions of the Srimandir, where every act, no matter how small, is imbued with profound meaning. The Banakalagi Niti is a testament to the enduring legacy of Lord Jagannath’s temple, where devotion and tradition unite in divine harmony. 
This sacred ceremony continues to inspire millions, preserving the sanctity of one of India’s most iconic temples.