✨Manabasa Gurubar: Pratham Pali - मानबसा गुरुवार: प्रथम पाली

As per mythology Manabasa Gurubar is based on the ancient scripture Laxmi Puran. In ancient time, the untouchables were not allowed to pray, worship and do rituals to Bhagwan in the ancient ages. But Shriya, a scavenger low caste woman, dared to pray and worship and appease the Mata, who then visits her.

This act, however, angers Balaram, the elder brother of bhagwan Jagannath, and she is turned out of Jagannath Temple, Puri, at his behest.

The Mata is shown the door for ending discrimination on earth by encouraging even untouchables to conduct rituals and worship. While leaving the temple, she curses her husband and elder brother-in-law saying that they would have to go through a prolonged ordeal without food, water or shelter. The curse of Laxmi has a severe impact on both the brothers for 12 years and they had a tough time. Soon they realise her importance and Laxmi agrees to return but on one condition that there will be no discrimination of caste and creed on earth.

Clean House
It is believed that Mata Lakshmi loves a clean house, so all the women clean their houses clean before performing puja.

Jhoti Chita (Rangoli)
After cleaning the house, the women make a beautiful Jhoti Chita. It is made from rice paste. A piece of cloth surrounded with a stick is used to create beautiful Jhotis. The women draw Jhotis in different shapes like flowers, mainly lotus flower and the feet of Mata Lakshmi.

Manda Pitha (Rice Dumpling)
Manda pitha, a steamed pancake, is prepared during some of the festivals including Manabasa Gurubar.

Khatuli, Mana
Khatuli is a low table, on which women spread newly harvested paddy grains for the puja. Then they fill the Mana with such grains and place it on the low table.

Maha Laxmi Purana
All the women read the Maha Laxmi Purana written by ancient poet Balaram Das while performing the puja. Without it, the puja is considered incomplete. In below we have mentioned the youtube url of purana.

Red and White combination saree
Women wear new sarees in the combination of white and red for the puja.

Hindu Odia married women usually perform this puja. It continues for four Thursdays in the month of Margasira.

Jai Maa Laxmi!