Samba Dashami : A Sacred Ode to Motherhood, Faith, and the Sun God

Samba Dashami: A Sacred Ode to Motherhood, Faith, and the Sun God

By Lokanath Mishra

Samba Dashami is a deeply revered and culturally rich festival unique to the state of Odisha. Observed on the tenth day (Dashami) of the Sukla Paksha in the auspicious month of Pausha, this sacred day beautifully weaves together devotion, motherhood, tradition, and the life-giving power of the Sun. For the women of Odisha, Samba Dashami is not merely a ritual—it is a heartfelt prayer offered with love, hope, and unwavering faith for the well-being of their children.

At the spiritual heart of Samba Dashami lies an ancient legend drawn from Hindu scriptures. Samba, also known as Shamba, was the son of Lord Krishna and Jambavati. According to sacred lore, Samba was afflicted with leprosy due to a curse. Distressed and seeking liberation from his suffering, Samba undertook intense penance to please Lord Surya, the Sun God. For twelve long years, he performed rigorous austerities near what is now the sacred land of Konark in Odisha. Moved by his devotion and perseverance, Lord Surya appeared before Samba and blessed him with complete healing. This divine act of grace not only restored Samba’s health but also established the Sun God as a powerful healer and protector.

Inspired by this sacred episode, women across Odisha observe Samba Dashami as a vrata (vow) dedicated to Lord Surya. On this day, mothers and women of the household rise early, cleanse themselves, and prepare for Surya Puja with great sanctity. With folded hands and pure hearts, they pray for the longevity, health, and prosperity of their children. A unique ritual involves viewing the rising Sun through a bowl filled with turmeric-infused water, symbolizing purity, healing, and divine energy.

Offerings play a significant role in the celebration. A variety of traditional Odia delicacies are prepared with devotion, and often a specific food item is dedicated to each child in the family—an intimate expression of a mother’s prayer. Among the most essential offerings are traditional cakes or pithas such as Manda Pitha, Kakara Pitha, and Arisha Pitha, each prepared with meticulous care and spiritual intent.

Following the rituals, women gather to listen to or recite the sacred narrative known as the Samba Dashami Brata Katha. This ritual storytelling reinforces faith, strengthens familial bonds, and spiritually anchors the household. The prayers offered are not limited to children alone but extend to the well-being and harmony of the entire family.

Beyond its religious significance, Samba Dashami also carries a profound scientific and philosophical message. The Sun is the primary source of energy and life on Earth. By worshipping Surya, devotees symbolically acknowledge the cosmic force that sustains all existence. Thus, the festival becomes a celebration of life, vitality, and universal balance.

A significant aspect of Samba Dashami is the pilgrimage to the iconic Konark Sun Temple, a timeless architectural marvel dedicated to Lord Surya. On this auspicious day, thousands of devotees gather at Konark to offer their obeisance. Many take a holy dip in the sacred waters of Chandrabhaga before sunrise, believing it to be spiritually purifying. As the first rays of the Sun touch the horizon, the atmosphere becomes charged with devotion, chants, and a collective sense of divine presence.

In essence, Samba Dashami is a luminous festival that reflects the soul of Odisha—rooted in devotion, enriched by tradition, and illuminated by faith. It stands as a tribute to the healing grace of the Sun God and the selfless love of mothers, reminding humanity of the eternal bond between divine energy and human life.