Thousands of devotees gathered in Puri on Friday to observe the sacred festival of Pankodhar Ekadashi at the revered Lokanath Temple.
The annual ritual, dedicated to Lord Lokanath, was conducted with detailed arrangements by the district administration and police to ensure safe and smooth darshan for all attendees.
Barricades were installed across key access points, and security personnel managed crowd movement throughout the day to maintain order amid the large turnout.
Rituals Begin at Midnight
The temple doors opened at midnight, marking the start of the observances. The principal Pankodhar ritual commenced at 4 am, with darshan scheduled to continue until 11 pm.
From Pankodhar Ekadashi until the ceremonial ‘Mahadeep’ is raised on Maha Shivaratri, the sacred ‘Jagata Mangala Deep’ will remain illuminated for three days. The lamp, crafted from ‘ashtadhatu’—an alloy of eight metals—requires nearly two and a half quintals of ghee to sustain its flame, symbolizing spiritual continuity and divine blessings.
Rare Darshan of the Shiva Lingam
One of the most spiritually significant aspects of Pankodhar Ekadashi is the rare unveiling of the Shiva Lingam. For most of the year, the lingam remains submerged in water inside the sanctum. On this occasion, temple priests drain the accumulated water as part of the Pankodhar Neeti, observed three days prior to Maha Shivaratri.
After the sanctum is cleared, the lingam is ceremonially cleansed with sandalwood paste and adorned with floral fragrances. Devotees are given the rare opportunity to offer ‘bel’ leaves, flowers, and gold or silver ornaments directly to the deity—an act typically restricted due to the submerged state of the lingam.
Cultural Significance and Jagannath Connection
Although a prominent Shaiva shrine, the Lokanath Temple shares deep cultural ties with the Jagannath tradition. Lord Lokanath is regarded as the guardian deity of Lord Jagannath and is believed to safeguard the divine treasures associated with the Jagannath Temple.
The observance of Pankodhar Ekadashi each year reinforces Puri’s enduring spiritual heritage and draws pilgrims from across Odisha and beyond.
