Dr. Fakira Mohan Nahak
Every year in the temple town of Puri, Odisha, a fascinating ritual unfolds in the days leading up to the famous Ratha Yatra — the Anasara Basa, a period when Lord Jagannath and his siblings, Balabhadra and Subhadra, retreat from public view. Following the grand ceremonial bath of 108 pitchers of water from Suna Kua (35 pitchers for Lord Jagannath, 33 pitchers for Lord Balabhadra, 22 pitchers for Devi Subharda and 18 for Sudarshan dev) on Snana Purnima, it is believed the deities catch a fever and must rest in seclusion for a fortnight, hidden away inside the temple’s Anasara Ghar.
What makes this tradition unique is its deeply human portrayal of the divine. The gods, in their sacred seclusion, are tended to with herbal medicines and special diets. During this time, devotees turn to stylized paintings known as Pata Chitra for worship, and pilgrimage crowds shift to the nearby Alarnath Temple, where it is believed Lord Jagannath manifests during his convalescence.
At the heart of this ritual are the Daitapatis, a hereditary group of temple servitors believed to be descendants of the tribal chief Biswabasu, who first worshipped Lord Jagannath in his aboriginal form as Nilamadhava. The Daitapatis’ exclusive access to the deities during Anasara Basa reflects the temple’s ancient tribal connections, preserving Odisha’s indigenous cultural heritage within the grand Hindu tradition.
Anthropologists and historians often highlight Anasara Basa as a living example of religious syncretism — where tribal rites of healing and rebirth intertwine with classical Hindu rituals. This sacred pause before the spectacular Ratha Yatra not only embodies spiritual symbolism but also serves as a reminder of the enduring bond between the forest deities and the people of Odisha.
For devotees and cultural enthusiasts alike, Anasara Basa offers a profound narrative of care, healing, and sacred anticipation — a moment when even gods need rest before embarking on their chariot journey through the streets of Puri.
(Dr. Fakira Mohan Nahak, Professor, Journalism & Mass Communication, Manipal University Jaipur, Rajasthan. Call: 9937252464)
