PIPILI, : The nine-day Sharadiya autumn festival is currently underway at the Maa Bagalamukhi Pitha in Dandamukundapur village near Pipili. Known as a prominent Shakti Pitha of Dandamukundapur and its surrounding regions, the shrine is resonating with the chanting of Chandi Path, drawing large crowds of devotees and vow-keepers every evening to seek divine blessings for the fulfillment of their wishes.
The nine-day festival, which commenced on Ashwin Shukla Pratipada, is being performed by 48 Shrotriya Brahmins under the supervision of the temple’s head priest, Debasis Nanda. During the nine-day festivities at this renowned Shakti shrine, the presiding deity is sanctified through nine consecrated offerings (bodhana dravya). Following the traditional Utkalia rites under Pitambari Tantra rituals, the daily services include Nitya Puja, Mangala Alati, Veda recitation, Surya Puja, Shala Puja, Rudrabhisheka, Panchasnana, Bodhana, Besha, Ballabha, Chandi Path, Madhyanna Dhupa, and Shodashopachara Puja, followed by Pahuda. Later, the rituals proceed with Saptashati Chandi Path, Sandhya Alati, Shodashopachara Puja, Tarpana, Marjana, Japa, Homa, Pushpanjali, Kshamapana, Stotra recitations, and the Dashavatara Besha, concluding with the night Pahuda.
From Tapah Shashthi to Vijayadashami, a large turnout of devotees visits the shrine to obtain the goddess’s blessings. A nine-day Vishwashanti Mahayajna (grand ritual for universal peace) is also being conducted on the temple premises on this occasion. The festivities will conclude on Vijayadashami with Dashopachara Puja and the Purnahuti (final offering). It has been informed that various cultural programmes will be organized that night, and the temple administration has arranged Prasad Sevan for all visiting devotees.
