#hari ujjapan ekadashi

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Dhabaleswar Temple, Cuttack. Image Source: Pinterest

Panchuka Vrata!

The month of Kartika is considered very auspicious for people of Odisha. This month is dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to the legend, Lord Shiva protected the world by killing Tripurasura in this month.

Alongwith, keeping vrat on every Monday of this month, the devotees also abstain from eating non-vegetarian food for the entire month. The last five days are considered especially auspicious and are together known as Panchuka. It starts from Bada Ekadashi and culminates on Kartika Purnima.

Bada Ekadashi is also known as Hari Ujjapan Ekadashi and on this day, Lord Vishnu wakes up from his Yoganidra.

Lord Jagannath Panchuka First Day Besha. Image Source: Pinterest

Goddess Laxmi and Lord Narayan are also worshipped on five days of Panchuka. Lord Jagannath is attired in different 'Besas' and Lord Karthikeya's idols are worshipped in different Pandals.

Another unique Odia tradition is the worship of Brundavati (Tulasi) by young girls and women on Panchuka. They draw beautiful rangoli designs or 'Muruja' as called in Odia, infront of Tulasi Chaura.

Happy First day of Panchuka to everyone!