The Story of Patitapabana at Jagannath Temple

Patitapabana: The Purifier of Sinners at Jagannath Temple

Introduction

Jagannath Temple: A place of divine sanctity and spiritual fervor, nestled in the holy city of Puri, India. Within the walls of this ancient temple lies a unique deity known as Patitapabana, the purifier of sinners. The term "Patitapabana" is derived from two Odia words - 'Patita' meaning 'Sinner' and 'Pabana' meaning 'Purifier.' Together, it signifies 'One who can even purify the sinner.' This blog takes you on a journey to explore the significance of Patitapabana within the revered Jagannath Temple.

The Image of Patitapabana

The image of Patitapabana can be seen on the right side wall, mounted on an elevated platform within the Gumuta Griha at the main entrance of the Jagannath Temple. As devotees enter the temple through the eastern gate, known as Simha dwara in the local language, they are greeted by this sacred image. Here, Patitapabana takes the form of the face of Lord Jagannath, emanating a sense of divine presence and purity. It is believed that seeing this image from outside the temple gate brings blessings and purification, even to those who cannot enter the temple.

The Story Behind Patitapabana's Installation

The installation of Patitapabana at the main entrance of the Jagannath Temple has an intriguing history. During the reign of Gajapati Ramachandra Dev-II (1732 to 1743 AD), the Khurda and Puri King faced a challenging situation when Muslim rulers threatened to destroy the temple. In response to the pressure, the king married a Muslim girl, which resulted in him breaking his religious practices and becoming a sinner.

Since the king held the inherent institutional right to worship Lord Jagannath as the Gajapati King, the temple priests faced the dilemma of preserving this age-old tradition while dealing with the king's actions. To maintain the king's devotion to Lord Jagannath and allow others who couldn't enter the temple for similar reasons, the priests devised an alternative arrangement. They installed the image of Lord Jagannath as Patitapabana on the right side wall of the temple's main entrance, facing the Grand Road. This allowed both the king and other Patitas (those considered unworthy of temple entry) to seek the blessings of Lord Jagannath.

You can also read: Aruna Stambha: The Sun Pillar and its Journey to Jagannath Temple

The Significance of the Patitapabana Flag

The flag tied to the Neelachakra (Blue wheel at the top of the Temple) is also known as Patitapabana Bana, emphasizing its close connection with Lord Jagannath. Devotees who are unable to enter the temple can view this flag from outside, thereby receiving the Lord's grace and blessings even without stepping inside. The Patitapabana god, along with the principal Sanctuary, Patitapabana banner, and Nilachakra, are similarly engaged to eliminate the transgressions from the hearts of miscreants.

The Interestin Fact About Patitpabana 

Bana ( Flag )

The Significance of the Patitapabana Flag

The flag tied to the Neelachakra (Blue wheel at the top of the Temple) is also known as Patitapabana Bana, emphasizing its close connection with Lord Jagannath. Devotees who are unable to enter the temple can view this flag from outside, thereby receiving the Lord's grace and blessings even without stepping inside. The Patitapabana god, along with the principal Sanctuary, Patitapabana banner, and Nilachakra, are similarly engaged to eliminate the transgressions from the hearts of miscreants.

 

Why the flag name is Patitapaban?

 The word Patitapaban is the combination of two Odiya language words Patita + Paban. The word Patita means fallen and Paban means purifier. Bana is an Odiya language word, meaning Flag. The Lord Jagannath purifies the fallen souls and people. Hence, the flag is named Patitapaban Bana.

What is the significance of Patitapaban Bana in Jagannath Temple?

 Prasad isn't proposed to Lord Jagannath without Patitapaban Bana on the highest point of the Neela Chakra. If Prasad isn't proposed to the divinities because of any explanation, then it is proposed to Neela Chakra. It is called Chakra Mohani.

What is the Length of Patitapaban Bana?

Prior, the length of the Patitatapaban Bana was 240ft. But due to safety and security reasons, the length of the flag was reduced to 180ft and then 76ft. In the year 1990, a big stone (5 tons) fell down from the top of the temple (Dadhinauti). After that, the length of the flag was further reduced to 21 hand lengths (28ft) for security purposes. Currently, it is 21ft long.

What is the height of Patitapaban Bana?

 The Patitapaban Bana is hoisted at 240ft height from the ground. The Jagannath Temple level is 214ft, the Neela Chakra Level is 11.8ft, and the Flagstick range from Neela Chakra is 15ft. (214+11.8ft+15ft=240.8ft)

What are the rules for the hoisting of Bana?

Every day evening (4 to 5 pm), the Patitapaban Bana is changed. The flag's color is deep red, yellow, white, and pink. Other colors are restricted. The flag is rectangular in size with a white color half-moon-shaped symbol in the middle. It is hosted with a 25ft bamboo stick and hoisted towards the opposite direction of the wind. Some other flags are hoisted except Patitapaban Bana, such as SaranaPanjar, Abadhuta, and Ketubana.

Arati of Lord Patitapaban

 Every day from about 4:30 am to 5 am, the temple main gate (Lion gate) is opened, and then the Patitapaban temple door is opened. It is situated on the right side of the entrance before the Baisi Pahacha. Then the Arati is proposed to Master Patitapaban, and from that point onward, the Srimandir day-to-day ceremonies are performed individually.

Conclusion

The Jagannath Temple stands as a beacon of spiritual devotion and inclusivity. At its main entrance, the divine presence of Patitapabana, the purifier of sinners, embraces all who seek solace and blessings. It is a testament to the transformative power of devotion and the capacity of divinity to transcend barriers. As the Patitapabana flag flutters atop the Neelachakra, it symbolizes the all-encompassing grace of Lord Jagannath, bestowing blessings upon those both within and outside the temple's sacred walls. Patitapabana, the embodiment of divine compassion, continues to inspire countless devotees, reminding us of the unyielding love and forgiveness that lies at the heart of spirituality. The devotees can donate flags for hoisting. The old flag is removed daily at about 5 pm, and a new flag is hoisted. The flag-changing Darshan is a wonderful and enjoyable experience. Devotees may buy the old flags from inside the temple to keep at their homes as a symbol of Lord Jagannath.

You can read: Jaya and Vijaya: The Gatekeepers of Vaikuntha in Hinduism

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

 1. What does the term "Patitapabana" signify?

   Patitapabana is a combination of two Odia words - 'Patita' meaning 'Sinner' and 'Pabana' meaning 'Purifier.' Together, it signifies "One who can even purify the sinner."

 2. Where can I find the image of Patitapabana at the Jagannath Temple?

   The image of Patitapabana can be seen on the right side wall, mounted on an elevated platform within the Gumuta Griha at the main entrance of the Jagannath Temple.

 3. Who gets the privilege of Darshan of Lord Jagannath in the form of Patitapabana?

   All those who have no right to enter the temple due to inadvertent religious reasons are granted the privilege of Darshan of Lord Jagannath through the image of Patitapabana.

 4. What is the story behind the installation of Patitapabana at the main entrance?

   During the reign of Gajapati Ramachandra Dev-II, the Khurda and Puri King faced a threat from Muslim rulers to destroy the temple. To preserve the king's devotion to Lord Jagannath and accommodate other Patitas, the temple priests installed the image of Lord Jagannath as Patitapabana at the main entrance.

 5. What is the significance of viewing the Patitapabana flag from outside the temple?

   Viewing the Patitapabana flag from outside the temple gate is believed to grant the same spiritual benefits as witnessing the flag from within. It symbolizes inclusivity in receiving blessings from Lord Jagannath.

 6. Is Patitapabana considered a form of Lord Jagannath himself?

   Yes, Patitapabana is a manifestation of Lord Jagannath, symbolizing his compassionate nature and ability to purify the hearts of sinners.

 7. What other symbols or deities are associated with Patitapabana?

    Apart from the image of Patitapabana, the flag tied to the Neelachakra and the Nilachakra itself are considered significant symbols connected with Lord Jagannath and the purifying ritual of Patitapabana.

  8. Are there any festivals or special occasions associated with Patitapabana?

    While there are no specific festivals dedicated solely to Patitapabana, it is an integral part of the daily rituals and worship at the Jagannath Temple.

  9.  Is there any specific time when devotees can witness the Darshan of Patitapabana?

    The image of Patitapabana is visible to devotees throughout the temple's operating hours. There is no specific time restriction for seeking Darshan.

  10.  Is Patitapabana celebrated with any special rituals or processions?

    While there are no specific celebrations dedicated to Patitapabana, the daily rituals, and offerings to Lord Jagannath include reverence for Patitapabana as an essential aspect of the temple's tradition.

 11. Is Patitapabana associated with any particular mantra or chant?

    While there are no specific mantras exclusively associated with Patitapabana, devotees can chant prayers and hymns dedicated to Lord Jagannath during their Darshan.

12. How long and high is the Patitapaban Bana?

   In ancient days, the length of the flag was 240ft, but for safety reasons, it has been reduced to 21ft. It is hoisted at a height of 240ft from the ground, above the Jagannath temple's Neela Chakra.

13. What are the rules for hoisting Patitapaban Bana?

   The flag is changed daily in the evening, between 4 to 5 pm. It is rectangular in size and is hoisted with a 25ft bamboo stick. The flag must be deep red, yellow, white, or pink in color, and it hosts a white half-moon-shaped symbol in the middle.

14. What was the reason for reducing the length of the flag?

   The length of the flag was reduced due to safety and security concerns. In 1990, a big stone fell from the temple, prompting further reduction to ensure the safety of visitors and worshippers.

 15. Are there other flags hoisted along with Patitapaban Bana?

   Yes, there are other flags hoisted in the temple, such as SaranaPanjar, Abadhuta, and Ketubana. Each flag has its own significance and plays a part in the temple's rituals.

16. Can devotees donate flags for hoisting?

   Yes, devotees have the option to donate flags for the daily hoisting ritual. The old flag is removed and replaced with the new one every day.

17. Is there a specific time for offering Arati to Lord Patitapaban?

    Yes, the Arati for Lord Patitapaban is offered every day from about 4:30 am to 5 am. The temple's main gate is opened, and the devotees can participate in the Arati before the Srimandir daily rituals begin.

 

Please note that the information provided here is based on the traditional practices and beliefs associated with the Jagannath Temple and Patitapaban Bana.

 

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