A Legacy of Devotion at the Heart of SHREE JAGANNATH Dham, Puri
Welcome to the digital abode of devotion, where the timeless legacy of service to Lord SHREE JAGANNATH comes to life through the illustrious journey of Daitapati Sibani Das Mohapatra. Rooted in myth, tradition, and unwavering dedication, Sibani Das Mohapatra epitomizes the sacred bond between the divine and the devotee, standing as a beacon of reverence at the SHREE JAGANNATH Temple in Puri.
At the core of Sibani Das Mohapatra’s spiritual journey lies a lineage deeply entwined with the divine. As a Daitapati, he traces his ancestry back to the revered Shabara chieftain Biswabasu, a close relative of Lord SHREE JAGANNATH. This sacred lineage imbues him with a profound sense of duty and devotion, rooted in the ancient traditions of worship that predate the temple’s construction.
Within the hallowed halls of the SHREE JAGANNATH Temple, Sibani Das Mohapatra holds a unique position of reverence and responsibility. As the Chief Servitor, he is entrusted with the solemn task of preserving and performing sacred rituals that have been passed down through generations.
Among these duties, he stands as the sole Sevayat authorized to change the Brahma (heart) of Lord SHREE JAGANNATH during the sacred Nabakalebara ceremonies. With a divine connection guided by ancestral wisdom, he leads the selection of wood through prophetic dreams, ensuring the meticulous craftsmanship of the deity’s sacred idols.
The traditions and customs of the SHREE JAGANNATH Temple are woven into the fabric of Sibani Das Mohapatra’s existence. With a deep understanding of the temple’s rituals, he serves as a custodian of heritage, ensuring the seamless continuation of age-old customs. From leading the intricate designs for Lord SHREE JAGANNATH’s idols to performing seva during the deity’s fever, his devotion knows no bounds. As a member of Lord SHREE JAGANNATH’s extended family, he carries the weight of tradition with humility and reverence, upholding the sanctity of the temple’s customs with grace and dedication.
He was named Rama initially but was called "Balarama," which means "strong Rama" for his superior strength. He was also called "Balabhadra," which means "strong brother" because he was the elder brother of Krishna, who was born to protect and help lord Krishna.
Subhadra is a figure in Hindu mythology, known for being the younger sister of gods Krishna and Balarama. According to Hindu scriptures, she was a princess from the Yadava clan, who married Arjuna—one of the Pandava brothers—and had a son named Abhimanyu.
SHREE JAGANNATH, within Odia Hinduism, is the supreme god, Purushottama, and the Para Brahman. To most Vaishnava Hindus, particularly the Krishnaites, SHREE JAGANNATH is an abstract representation of Krishna, or Vishnu, sometimes as the avatar of Krishna or Vishnu.