Why Lord Jagannath Falls Sick For 15 Days: Every year, there comes a time before the world famous Jagannath Rath Yatra to be held in Puri, Odisha when Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra go to seclusion for 15 days. This period is called ‘Unsar period’. It is believed that Lord Jagannath falls ill for these 15 days. This tradition has been going on for centuries, but the question is, why does this happen and what are the beliefs behind this mysterious disease? Let’s know.
Why and when Lord Jagannath is disease
On the full moon of Jyeshtha month, Lord Jagannath has a ‘bath full moon’ ritual. On this day, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra are publicly performed outside the temple, in public, 108 pitches with fragrant water. After this huge bath, there is a publicity that God gets cold and fever. They feel strong and they feel unwell. Lord Jagannath, who is considered the ruler of Puri, passes through a ritual every year where he is considered “sick”. Many people are surprised to hear that even God may fall ill! Actually, a very interesting and important story is attached to it. This is the story of Lord Jagannath and his exclusive devotee Madhav Das.
Story of Madhav Das and Lord Jagannath
Madhav Das, a great devotee lived in Puri. He was known for his immense reverence for Lord Jagannath. Madhav Das used to spend his entire life on the service of God and his offerings (Mahaprasad). His devotion was so deep that he saw God not only his adorable, but also as his most dear friend and patron.
Once Madhav Das got very high fever. His condition became so serious that he could not even get up. In such a situation, he started having difficulty in completing his daily routine, even receiving the offerings of God. There was no one to serve him, and he was struggling with illness in loneliness. Seeing this pain of the devotee, Lord Jagannath himself got distracted. He took the form of an ordinary person to serve his devotee and reached Madhav Das. God served Madhav Das, gave him medicine, and took care of his needs. He fed prasad to Madhav Das with his hands and took care of him until he recovered.
When Madhav Das became healthy, he realized that there was no one to serve him, but Lord Jagannath himself! He was overwhelmed by this immense grace of God and his love for himself. Madhav Das asked God why you served me, while you are the lord of the whole universe? Lord Jagannath replied smiling, you are my dear devotee, and when my devotee is in trouble, how can I leave him alone? I experienced your illness myself, so that you can get healthy quickly. But the fruits of deeds have to be suffered. There is 15 days left of your illness. I take him over me. The surprising thing is that there was Jyeshtha Purnima that day. From that day on, this tradition has been going on till date and every year on Jyeshtha Purnima, God falls ill. After that he goes to solitude for 15 days, which is called ‘Anasar’. Then, after the recover of Lord Jagannath, Nainasar festival is celebrated which is called Rath Yatra.
Darshan and traditions in the unseen period
This story is played before the Jagannath Yatra, when God is bathed and he falls ill. This period is known as ‘Unsar’ and during this time devotees do not have their visions. It is from here that the story of Lord Jagannath falling ill connects the relationship. It is believed that Lord Jagannath, during his ‘Unsar’ (Anavasar) period, which is particularly celebrated in Jagannath Dham Puri, actually takes the sufferings of his devotees on himself. This is the time when God is placed in solitude, and they make themselves healthy. It is a symbol of God’s immense compassion and love towards his devotees. During this time, God is cured with herbs and special remedies, just as a person needs treatment to overcome the disease.
Also Read: Will the Jagannath temple of Odisha really be submerged, what does it say
Disclaimer (Disclaimer): Health, beauty care, Ayurveda, Yoga, Dharma, Astrology, Vastu, History, Purana etc. are only for your information, keeping in mind the videos, articles and news published in Webdunia. Webdunia does not confirm the truth related to this. Be sure to consult an expert before any experiment.
