Deities Relish Mouthwatering Poda Pitha

BY: SUN STAFF CORRESPONDENT

Jul 03, JAGANNATHA PURI, ORISSA — Devotees vied with each other to get a slice of the poda pitha (a local foodstuff in the shape of cake) offered to Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra at the Mausi Maa temple on Bahuda Yatra on Thursday.

The priests of the Mausi Maa shrine offered the mouthwatering poda pitha to the sibling Deities on Their way back to the main temple after winding up the nine-day outing at Gundicha temple.

As per tradition, the chariots halt in front of the Mausi Maa temple, about 1.5 kilometers from Jagannath Temple, for few moments when the Deities relish the delicious poda pitha. Mausi Maa temple is also known as Maa Ardhasini temple. Goddess Ardhasini or Mausi Maa resembles with Devi Subhadra in Her look.

“Maa Ardhasini offers poda pitha to Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra while the Deities return to Jagannath Temple from Gundicha temple. Maa Ardhasini caters hospitality to the Deities by offering the delicacy,” Raghunath Dash, the priest of Mausi Maa temple said.

“We prepared the poda pitha with utmost care and devotion. We put the pieces of cakes in a huge earthen pot and offer it to the Deities. Devotees then try a lot to get the prasadam,” the priest said.