Chitalagi_Amabasya

Chita lagi ritual of Mahaprabhu on the occasion of Chitalagi Amabasya 

Trayodash Jatras (13 Jatras) are observed in Shrimandir.Apart from them,more than 50 Utsavas(small festivals) are observed inside Shrimandir.Chitalagi Amabasya is one of them.

"श्रावणस्य च दर्शे अपिह्यरुणोदयकाले | 

नैवेद्यात्मकं दद्यात् प्रातः पूजनकालके || 

सुवर्णरचितं दिव्यं नानारत्नसमुज्ज्वलम् |

 तिलकं तु कपालेषु देवानां भिल्लजातयः ||"

Chitalagi rituals are conducted in Shrimandir on Shraabana Amabasya.On this day,the deities are adorned with golden Chita.On this day,after Bhogamandap,Shridebi and Bhudebi will be taken to Khataseja Ghara.The Jhobas of the deities will be removed temporarily and Jaya Bijaya Dwara will be closed.After Amabasya Narayan will return from Sagara Bije,Chitalagi will be done by Pati Mohapatra and Badagrahi Daita Sevaks.The Chitas will be attached to the heads of the deities using Oshua(Resin) and Pata Dora(Silk Ropes).

The Chitas are removed from the deities on the night of Snana Purnima.On Chitalagi Amabasya,the Chitas are brought from the Bhandara Ghara and cleaned by the Bania(Jewellers) under the supervision of Deulakarana and Tadhaukarana and the Temple commander.Since Chitalagi is a secret ritual,therefore Darshan remains closed during this time.

Here is the description of 3 Gem studded Golden Chita 

Shri Balabhadra's Chita

A big Markata (Emerald)stone is at the middle of the Chita.Manikya(Ruby) , Heera(diamond) ,Panna and Bluestone are present on it's step by step  sides.

Shri Jagannath's Chita

It has a White diamond at the middle.

Manikya,Heera,Panna,Opal and a betel leaf shaped diamond called Bramhajyoti Heera are present around the middle stone.

Maa Subhadra's Chita

A big Manikya stone is at the middle.Panna,Markata and Heera are present around it.

The three Chitas are called Markata Chita,Heera Chita and Panna Chita respectively.After completion of Chitalagi,Mahasnana and other rituals will be completed.Some Nijogs will offer Chena Tadia and Fala Solaa Alati Bhoga on this occasion.

From the pages of history,  it can be known that the deities were made Patali in Subarnapur during the invasion of Raktabahu. Under the supervision of Adi Shankaracharya, Jajati Keshari brought the deities from there and recoronated them on the Ratnasinghasana and offered diamond studed Chita. From that day itself this day is celebrated as Chitalagi Amabasya across the villages and towns of Odisha. On this day Alati Bhoga is offered by the Pratihari Nijog.

#Chitalagi_Amabasya .....

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