CBS Office
25 Jan 2026
Devotees Gather at Chandrabhaga for Magha Shukla Saptami Rituals
Konark
The sacred shores of Chandrabhaga near the Sun Temple in Konark turned into a vibrant hub of devotion as thousands of pilgrims observed Magha Shukla Paksha Saptami, an occasion of deep spiritual importance celebrated as Chandrabhaga Mela.
From the early hours, devotees took the ritual Chandrabhaga Buda—a holy dip in the sea—believed to purify the soul and cure ailments, in reverence to the celestial legend of Shamba, the son of Lord Krishna, who is said to have been cured by Surya Dev’s blessings at this very site.
Renowned spiritual leader Dr. Chandra Bhanu Satpathy ji led the morning rituals by offering Arghya to the rising Sun and performing aarti at Arka Kshetra, reinforcing the ancient tradition of Sun worship that lies at the heart of Konark’s identity.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Satpathy emphasized that Konark is far beyond a monument of stone—it is a living spiritual center. He underlined that Sun worship transcends sects and religions, symbolizing universal reverence for the life-giving energy that sustains creation.