The sacred Shodasha Upachara Puja — a sixteen-step ritual worship — has commenced across Odisha’s revered Shakti Peeths, infusing the state with spiritual fervour and devotional energy. The rituals coincide with the auspicious occasion of Mulashtami, marking the beginning of a significant fortnight of worship and celebration.
Kakatpur, Banki, Ganjam, and Cuttack Witness Major Rituals
At Maa Mangala Peeth in Kakatpur, the puja began with the Sahasra Kumbhabhisheka — a thousand-pot ablution ceremony — drawing hundreds of devotees eager to take part in the rituals.
In Banki, the Charchika Peeth has been transformed into a vibrant hub of spiritual activity. Elaborate arrangements have been made for the sixteen-day puja, which will feature a series of cultural and devotional programmes.
In Ganjam, the shrine of Goddess Taratarini also commenced its rituals in traditional fashion, with women from servitor families fetching water from the Rushikulya river for the ceremonial bathing of the Goddess.
At Maa Cuttack Chandi Temple, the Goddess will be adorned in the resplendent Suna Besha (golden attire), a ritual believed to symbolise divine prosperity. Mulashtami holds special significance here, as devotees believe that the Goddess descends to earth on this day and remains until Dussehra, blessing her followers with darshan.
Sequence of Beshas Over Sixteen Days
During the Shodasha Upachara Puja, Maa Cuttack Chandi will adorn a variety of Beshas (attires), each depicting a different manifestation of divine power.
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Day 1: Bhubaneswari Besha
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Subsequent Days: Raja Rajeshwari, Matangi, Bana Durga, Jay Durga
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From Sashthi Tithi: Gayatri, Bagalamukhi, Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi, Maha Saraswati
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Final Day: Mahisamardini Besha
On Ashtami tithi, a special ritual known as Maha Snana is performed at night. The attire worn earlier is ceremonially removed, and the Goddess is dressed in the Maha Kali Besha, where she is adorned only with jewellery and flowers, symbolising raw divine energy.
Priest Explains Ritual’s Parallels with Navratri
Speaking about the puja, Cuttack Chandi Temple priest Manoj Panda explained,
“There is not much difference between Navratri and Shodasha Upachara Puja. Navaratra Puja is performed to worship Goddess Naba Durga, and for us, Navaratra begins today.”
He highlighted that the only key distinction lies in the Ashtami ritual, where the Goddess’ attire is changed late at night before being adorned in the Maha Kali Besha.
Concerns Over Temple Renovation
Despite the spiritual enthusiasm, concerns remain over the temple’s physical condition. Priest Manoj Panda expressed disappointment over delayed renovation work, saying,
“The renovation work has been delayed far beyond the timeline we were promised. It saddens me to witness the current state of the temple. Hopefully, this issue will be addressed soon.”
