Monthly Archives: August 2025

Raksha Bandhan: Puranic Origins & Sacred Stories

Today’s Mythological StoryΒ  β›”β›”β›”β›”β›”β›”β›” The Scriptural Background of Raksha Bandhan =================== Shravan Purnima is an extremely sacred day. It is the birthday of Halayudha, Lord Sri Balaram. This full moon day is also known as Gahma Purnima, Jhulan Purnima, and Rakhi Purnima. Along with other festivities, the reason this day is recognized as a pan-Indian […]

Puri’s Six Sacred Ponds (Puskaranis)

When we think of Puri, our minds fill with images of the magnificent Srimandir and the roaring waves of the Mahodadhi, the great ocean. But the spiritual landscape of this holy city is also blessed with ancient, sacred water bodies known as Puskaranis. These are not just ponds; they are reservoirs of history, myth, and […]

Jagannath Consciousness in Odia Novels

For the people of Odisha, “Sri Jagannath” is more than just the name of a deity. It is the life force of the culture, a sacred consciousness known as Jagannath Chetana. This consciousness connects the Lord to every aspect of lifeβ€”from family functions and festivals to art, music, and dance. It’s no surprise that this […]

Sri Ramanujacharya’s Emar Matha Has Lost Its Splendor

In Srikshetra (Puri), the Jhulan Utsav (Swing Festival) is being celebrated with much pomp and grandeur in many mathas (monasteries), including the Srimandir. Large crowds are also gathering to have a darshan of Mahaprabhu amidst colorful canopies (kunja). However, amidst all this glitter and ceremony, the Jhulan Jatra of the 800-year-old Emar Matha, founded by […]

King Bali and the Lord’s Third Foot

In the grand tapestry of our Puranas, there are villains and heroes, gods and demons. But few figures are as complex and revered as Mahadani Baliβ€”the great demon king who is remembered not for his conquests, but for his ultimate act of charity and surrender. His story, deeply connected to Lord Vishnu’s Vamana avatar, is […]

The Royal Life of Lord Jagannath

When we think of Lord Jagannath, our hearts fill with love for our compassionate, accessible friend with big, round eyes. But He is not just our friend; He is Jagannatha, the King of the Universe. In Puri, He doesn’t just reside in a temple; He lives a grand, royal life. This is His Aishwarya Leelaβ€”His […]

Nilamadhab: The Lord Before Jagannath

We all know and love the iconic wooden forms of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. But have you ever wondered about the story of what came before? The ancient scriptures and legends of Odisha tell us a beautiful tale of a secret, hidden god who was the original deity of Srikshetra: Lord Nilamadhab.   The […]

Access
ACCESSIBILITY Γ—
πŸ›’ Shop