Across different religions, cloth plays a significant role in the worship, adoration, procession of Gods. The Dwaja rohana is an auspicious ritual in temples.
At Puri Jagannath temple, the flag changing ceremony is done daily. Called a s the Chunara Seva, the “Chuna Garuda Sevaks” climb up a height of 215 feet on the Garba Mandira, and hoist the flag of Jagannatha which is called as the Patita – Pavana – Bana.
The ensign or the flag of Jagannatha is the crowning glory on the Nila Chakra ( the blue wheel), both of them revered as iconic symbols of Jagannatha and symbolises protection to all.
The Nila chakra is the discus atop the Shikara of the temple
Formed out of two concentric rings, and joined by eight spokes, the diameter of the outer ring is 12 feet. The Nila-chakra is made of Ashta-datu, an alloy of eight metals.
Carved on the outer ring are the figures of eight Nava-kunjaras, which is a unique motif in Orissa ikats. The figures of all the eight Naba-kunjaras face towards the flag staff.
For people who cant enter the temple, they can look towards the Nila-Chakra and offer a Dipa or prasada, this is considered to be equivalent to Maha-prasada called as Chakra-boga or Chakra-Mukhana.
Patita-Pabhana Bana
A triangular flag made of cloth, in red, yellow or white with a patchwork of crescent moon and sun is fixed to the Nila-chakra by a 21 feet bamboo staff. This flag is an offering by individual devotees to the Lord in fulfillment of their wishes.
Watch this video to know about the Seva:
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