Bada Osha 2025 - November

Dhabaleswar, the Temple of Lord Mahadeva in the state of Odisha (Orissa) is extremely famous and known among the natives of the state. The festival of Bada Osha is essentially a "Festival of Fasting" celebrated in the month of Kartik at the Dhabaleshwar Temple.

ada Osha is a religious festival celebrated primarily in the Indian state of Odisha. It is dedicated to the worship of the Hindu deity Shiva and is observed with great fervor and enthusiasm by devotees. During the festival, devotees fast and offer prayers to Lord Shiva for blessings and prosperity. The festival typically falls on the thirteenth day of the bright fortnight in the Hindu lunar month of Jyeshtha, which usually corresponds to June in the Gregorian calendar. It holds significant cultural and religious importance in Odisha, and various rituals and traditions are observed during this time.

As a custom, this fast is mostly observed by men. The fast is kept on the fourteenth of Kartika. Odisha is famous for its culture and traditions. As a state it witnesses several religions, temples, shrines, and tribes all fusing to blend in a rich state of traditions.

As the number of religions found here is many, so are the festivals and fairs celebrated. Many festivals celebrated in Orissa find close resemblance to the festivals of Northern India, yet they differ in their names and practices here.

Dhabaleswar (Temple of Lord Mahadeva)

The festival of Bada Osha is primarily celebrated at the temple of Lord Mahadeva- Dhabaleswar. The temple is situated on an island in the river Mahanadi. The temple is located very close to the city of Cuttack, nearly 3kms. Although the temple is always occupied by devotees, but on the Festival of Bada Osha, lakhs of tourists and devotees throng the place of worship to offer prayers.

The Dhabaleswar Temple exhibits a blend of Kalinga and Dravidian architectural styles. The main sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) houses a Shiva lingam, the symbolic representation of Lord Shiva. According to local legends, the Dhabaleswar Temple is associated with the story of the demon king Ravana from the Hindu epic Ramayana. It is believed that Ravana worshiped Lord Shiva at this very spot, seeking divine blessings. Apart from its religious significance, the Dhabaleswar Temple offers breathtaking views of the Mahanadi River and its surrounding landscape. Many visitors come to the temple not only for its spiritual ambiance but also to enjoy the natural beauty of the location.

Mahashivaratri, the great night of Lord Shiva, is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm at the Dhabaleswar Temple. Devotees from various parts of Odisha and neighboring states throng to the temple to offer prayers and seek blessings on this auspicious occasion.

The temple hosts a unique Boat Festival during Kartik Purnima, the full moon day in the Hindu month of Kartik (October-November). Devotees set adrift small boats (locally known as 'boitas') made of leaves and bark in the Mahanadi River as a symbolic gesture of reverence and worship.

How to Reach Cuttack?

Reaching Cuttack By Air - Biju Patnaik Airport at Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport to Cuttack. An adequate number of daily flights of Indian airlines as well as of some other private operators, connect the city with Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam.

Reach Cuttack By Rail/Train:

Lying on the Kolkata-Chennai main line, the local railway station at Cuttack observes a plethora of fast trains operating from here that connect the city with some other prominent cities within and outside Orissa thus making the journey to Cuttack via train, a much convenient and reasonable option.

Cuttack By Road:

 A smooth network of National Highways connects Cuttack with the rest of India. Regular buses and taxis ply to and fro Cuttack for all the major cities of India.

Bada Osha is celebrated with various rituals and traditions, typically observed by devotees in the following manner:

1. Fasting: Devotees observe a strict fast throughout the day, abstaining from consuming any food or water.

2. Offering prayers: Devotees visit Shiva temples and offer prayers to Lord Shiva. They perform elaborate rituals and pour milk, water, and other offerings on Shiva lingams (an abstract representation of Lord Shiva).

3. Devotional songs and hymns: Religious songs and hymns dedicated to Lord Shiva are sung by devotees, creating a devotional atmosphere in temples and households.

4. Special offerings: Devotees make special offerings such as fruits, flowers, sweets, and coconuts to Lord Shiva as a token of devotion and gratitude.

5. Observing rituals: Various rituals and customs are observed during Bada Osha, including the lighting of lamps, circumambulating the Shiva lingam, and chanting of sacred mantras.

6. Community gatherings: Bada Osha brings communities together, and people often gather in temples or community halls to participate in the festivities, share meals, and exchange greetings.

7. Charity and donations: It is considered auspicious to perform acts of charity and donate to the needy during Bada Osha. Devotees often distribute food, clothes, and other essentials to the less fortunate as part of their religious duty.

Bada Osha is associated with several legends and stories from Hindu mythology, highlighting the significance of the festival. Here are a couple of prominent legends:

1. Legend of King Lakhinder and Ratnavati: One popular legend associated with Bada Osha revolves around King Lakhinder of the Malwa region and his queen, Ratnavati. It is said that Queen Ratnavati was a devout follower of Lord Shiva and observed a strict fast on the occasion of Bada Osha for the well-being of her husband and kingdom. Impressed by her devotion, Lord Shiva appeared in the dream of King Lakhinder and assured him of his protection and blessings. Since then, Bada Osha is celebrated with great reverence in the Malwa region of Odisha.

2. Story of King Nala and Goddess Parvati: Another legend linked with Bada Osha involves King Nala and his wife, Queen Damayanti. It is believed that King Nala was cursed by a sage and suffered from a skin disease. To seek relief from his affliction, King Nala observed a strict fast and offered prayers to Lord Shiva on the day of Bada Osha. Pleased with his devotion, Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva, appeared before King Nala and cured him of his ailment. This legend underscores the power of devotion and the blessings one can receive by observing Bada Osha.

The rituals associated with Bada Osha are performed with great devotion and adherence to tradition. Here are some of the key rituals observed during the festival:

1. Fasting: Devotees observe a strict fast throughout the day, refraining from consuming any food or water. The fast is considered a means of purification and devotion, symbolizing the devotee's dedication to Lord Shiva.

2. Offerings to Lord Shiva: Devotees visit Shiva temples and offer various items such as milk, water, bel leaves, flowers, fruits, sweets, and coconuts to the Shiva lingam. These offerings symbolize reverence, gratitude, and devotion towards Lord Shiva.

3. Abhishekam: Abhishekam refers to the ritual bathing of the Shiva lingam with sacred substances such as milk, honey, yogurt, ghee, and water. This ritual is performed with utmost reverence and devotion, symbolizing the purification and rejuvenation of the devotee's soul.

4. Lighting lamps and incense: Devotees light oil lamps and incense sticks in temples and at home as offerings to Lord Shiva. The light of the lamps is believed to dispel darkness and ignorance, while the fragrance of incense is said to purify the surroundings and create a divine atmosphere.

5. Chanting of mantras and hymns: Devotees chant sacred mantras and hymns dedicated to Lord Shiva, such as the "Om Namah Shivaya" mantra and Shiva stotras (devotional hymns). The chanting of these mantras is believed to invoke the blessings and divine presence of Lord Shiva.

6. Circumambulation (Pradakshina): Devotees perform circumambulation around the Shiva lingam in a clockwise direction, known as Pradakshina. This act symbolizes reverence, devotion, and the cyclical nature of existence.

7. Charity and donations: Bada Osha is also a time for acts of charity and compassion. Devotees often donate food, clothes, and other essentials to the less fortunate as a way of expressing gratitude and sharing blessings with others.

ढाबलेश्वर महादेव मंदिर में बड़ा ओशा के बारे में हिंदी में पढ़ें, क्लिक करें