Following the grand ceremonial bath on Snana Purnima, Lord Jagannath and His siblings have entered their annual period of recovery at Anasara Pindi.
To aid their recuperation, temple servitors will perform the revered Osa Lagi ritual, a sacred practice involving herbal medicines and traditional offerings.
Under the guidance of the Raj Vaidya (Royal Ayurvedic practitioner), various indigenous herbs and oils are used to treat the deities. Today, the Sudha Suara servitors will prepare a special offering called Osa, which will be presented to the divine Trinity after the Madhyanha Dhupa (midday meal offering). This ritual involves applying medicinal lotions to the idols, believed to rejuvenate them before they reappear for the grand Rath Yatra on June 27.
During their stay in the Anasara Gruha, Lord Jagannath and His siblings consume fruit juices and herbal medicines, ensuring their complete restoration. Yesterday, the deities were treated with Phuluri Tela, an aromatic oil made from fragrant flowers like Ketaki, Malli, Boula, and Champa, along with sandalwood powder, camphor, and sesame oil.
Meanwhile, preparations for the Rath Yatra are underway, with Rupakara Sevayats working tirelessly to complete the grand chariots on schedule. As devotees eagerly anticipate Lord Jagannath’s return from His hibernation, the Osa Lagi ritual stands as a testament to the rich traditions and deep spiritual significance surrounding the annual festival.
