Konark: As per the tradition a chariot procession gets organised in Konark in Puri district of Odisha today on the occasion of Shamba Dashami.
There is a legend related to Sun God and Chandrabhaga beach in Odisha. To commemorate that mythological happening on today’s day people worship Sun God at Chandrabhaga beach wishing wellbeing of their offspring.
As per the legend mythological character Shamba recovered from an incurable disease after worshipping Sun God at the Chandrabhaga tirtha. Hence, people on today’s day that is Shamba Dashami worship Sun God at Chandrabhaga.
In Konark area every household worship Suryadev today. Today, a Shanti Maha Yagnya is performed by the Saur Brahmins at the Abdhuta Mutt, adjacent to the World Heritage Konark Sun Temple, to wish for the well-being of all the people of the world.
Therefore, on this day, the idol of Surya Narayan is taken on a chariot to the Chotababa Mutt near Chandrabhaga Tirtha. Sweet delicacies like Kakara, Bara and Poda Pitha are offered on the chariot, after which the Mahanta of the Mutt do the ‘chhera pahara’ of the chariot. Hundreds of devotees gather and pull the chariot and take it to the Chandrabhaga beach.
It is kept there till Magha Sukla Saptami tithi. On this holy day, Mahasnana of the idols are done at Mahodadhi and then the procession returns to Abdhut Mutt.
