Sakala Dhoopa & Bhoga Mandap Bhoga

Sakala Dhoopa & Bhoga Mandap Bhoga

Sakala Dhoopa (Only Kotha Bhog, Lord’s own bhoga)

The Sakala Dhoopa (“Morning Puja”) is offered in the Garbhagriha and includes worship with 16 upacharas,its is known as SodasaUpchara Puja. The Suara Badu cleans the entire Pokharia with water brought by the Pani Apata, then the Amania again washes the area thrice. In the meantime, the Rosapaika watches the kitchen. The Pani Apata washes the utensils and hands them to the Suara Badu, who in turn washes the utensils again and places them before the four main Deities. The Pratihari verifies the tera; the same tera that was tied during Gopala vallabha offering is kept tied till the Sakala Dhoopa.The Pradhana Sevaka calls the Puja Panda, who begins drawing mandalas with coloured powders(muruja) before the four deities starting from Bada Thakura. Then the Pratihari goes to the kitchen along with the Pradhani Sevaka to call the Palia Mahasuara to bring the food offering. During this time, the Dakshina Dwara Pratihari guards the doors. The food offering, called Cheka or Naivedya, is brought in earthen pots and placed before the Deities. It usually consists of plain rice,Kanika (rice cooked with sweet spices and sugar) and kichadi, Dalma, kadali bhaja (fried banana chips),sabjis, sag, and different types of pitha (pancakes), such as pitha phuli, matha puli, kanti, enduri,  kakatua.Other sweets offered at this time as hansakeli (one type of laddu made with urad dal), jhili (made from urad dal, chickpea flour and wheat flour), bundia (sweet pearls made from chickpea flour); also offered is a drink called ada pachedi (ginger tonic).The Panthi Badu transfers the food offering from the pots onto the plates. The Pradhani Sevaka invites the Puja Pandas to do the offering which is done with sodasha upachara. The Pratiharis and Gochikaras guard the doors while the offering is done. The Ghantuas and Bajantri sound drums and perform kirtana, while the Pratihari watches at the Jaya Vijaya gate.During this, the Raja Guru stands at the Jagamohana in front of Garuda, holding a gold cane given to him by the Pradhani Sevaka. The Palia Mahari (Bahara Gayani) used to dance there and the Madeli played the Mardala, but this ritual has been stopped long since. The Purana Panda recites the Bhagavad Gita or Bhagavata Purana. After the completion of the Bhoga offering the Patri Badu calls for the Hadapa nayaka from inside and then the Pratihari opens the door.

The dancing and singing stops once the inner doors are opened. The Bidia Jogania brings the bidia tambula (betel refreshment) to be offered. The Hadapa Nayaka hands over the Bidia pana to the Puja Pandas in a silver bowl,who in turn offer the same to the Deities.The Dhoopa, Dipa are shown to the deities(arti with camphor and ghee wicks).

Bhoga Mandap

A place behind the Garuda pillar of Jagamohan.The bhoga Mandapa hall is around 350 feet far from the deities. Huge quantity of Bhogas such as Rice(many varities), Dal(many varities), Curries, Saga, khata and Cakes of different kinds etc.In ancient days 435 different items were offered now its reduced. Pujapandas offers this bhog with Pancha Upacharas. The cost of Bhoga Mandap offerings is not borne by the state or Temple Administration. This bhoga is mainly prepared to meet the need of different Mathas[Monasteries] and for sale to the general public. This Bhoga offering and the hall bhoga Mandapa was constructed by the guidence of Jagatguru Adi Sankracharya in 8th Century A.D