Bhubaneswar, Oct. 5 (UDN): The sacred Sharadiya Shodasha Upachara Puja has begun at several revered Shakti Peethas across Odisha, ushering in 16 days of elaborate rituals, devotional ceremonies and special adornments of the presiding deities.
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With the onset of the annual worship, temples across the state have come alive with the chanting of mantras, ringing of bells and devotional hymns as devotees throng the shrines to seek the blessings of the Goddess during the auspicious Sharadiya season.
The special rituals will continue for 16 days and culminate on Vijaya Dashami. Throughout the period, the deities will appear in different traditional beshas, while priests will perform a series of special rituals and ceremonies.
Chandi Path and Homa to Continue Daily
The religious observances include daily Chandi Path and Homa Yajna, along with several other traditional rituals.
The festivities began with sacred ceremonies including Ghata Sthapana and Sahasra Kumbha Abhisheka. Special worship will also be conducted on significant occasions such as Mula Ashtami and Durga Ashtami, drawing larger crowds of devotees to the temples.
Maa Cuttack Chandi Adorned in Suna Besha
In Cuttack, the city’s presiding deity Maa Cuttack Chandi, along with Maa Gadachandi, has been adorned in Suna Besha. Draped in glittering gold ornaments, the deities offered a special and spiritually significant darshan to devotees.
The Shodasha Upachara period holds special significance for devotees, providing an opportunity to witness elaborate rituals and different forms of the Goddess throughout the 16-day observance.
Festive Spirit Grips Odisha
With the rituals now underway, major Shakti shrines across Odisha are preparing for an increasingly vibrant festive atmosphere. Temple authorities have stepped up preparations as devotees are expected to visit in large numbers during the coming days.
The culmination of the sacred observance on Vijaya Dashami will mark the end of the 16-day worship, bringing the Sharadiya celebrations at the Shakti Peethas to a grand close.