Today is Jala Krida Ekadashi of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the month of Jyeshtha. This day is also celebrated by its other name, “Apara Ekadashi.” This is because, by observing the vow (Brata) of this Ekadashi, the observer (Brati) easily crosses the vast ocean of worldly existence. All great sins […]
You are all aware that Lord Balabhadra’s (Badathakur’s) chariot is named Taladhwaja, but in Tulasi Kshetra, Lord Balabhadra’s chariot is named Brahma Taladhwaja. There is a special significance to this nomenclature. Since the idol (vigraha) of Shri Siddha Baladevajiu is made of Manisila (divine stone, also referred to as Brahma), Baladevajiu is known as Brahma […]
Snana Yatra The Snana Yatra (bathing festival) of Sri Jagannath is one of the twelve yatras (festivals). It is held on the day of Jyeshtha Purnima (full moon in the month of Jyeshtha). It is written in the Brahma Purana: βMasijyestha cha samprΔptenakshatrechandradaivate | PaurαΉimasyΔ yada snΔnamsarvakΔlamharedvijΔβ|| 3 (Meaning, the bathing (Snana) on Jyeshtha […]
Today is “Mohini Ekadashi.” The Ekadashi of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) of the Baishakha month is celebrated as Mohini Ekadashi. Mohini Ekadashi is considered special among all Ekadashis. Because, according to Puranic legends, on this day, Lord Vishnu took the form of Mohini to enable the gods (Devatas) to drink Amrita (nectar of immortality). […]
Om Nilambhoja Dalabhirama Nayanama Nilambara Alankrutamΰ₯€Gourangim Sharadindu Sundaramukhim Vismrera Bimbadharamΰ₯€ΰ₯€Karunyam Mrutavarshinim Harihara Brahmadhihi Vanditamΰ₯€Dhyayet Sarva Janepa Sitartha Phaladam Ramapriya Janakimΰ₯€ΰ₯€Dhyayet Mahadevi Sita Trilokya Pujitamΰ₯€Tapta Hataka Varnabham Padma Yugma Karadvaye Sadratna Bhushana Spurad Divyadeha Shubhatmikamΰ₯€ΰ₯€Nana Vastram Shashimukhim Padmakshim Muditantaramΰ₯€Pashyanti Raghavam Punyam Shayya Shadguneshvarimΰ₯€ΰ₯€ On the auspicious occasion of Sita Navami, after the midday offering (Dwiprahara Dhupa), […]
Today is the auspicious Vaishakha Shukla Paksha Ashtami Tithi, and this sacred day is known as Niladri Mahodaya Ashtami. It is described in the Bamadeva Samhita and Skanda Purana that on this day, Brahma himself performed the Pushyabhisheka or Jalabhisheka (water consecration) of Mahaprabhu. From time immemorial, Kaliya Saanta (Lord Jagannath) resides in the holy […]
Today, on the auspicious Vaishakha Shukla Paksha Saptami Tithi, the ritual of Jaladhibasa (Water Confinement) is being performed. This ritual is held in preparation for the Jala Abhisheka (Water Consecration) of Mahaprabhu on the upcoming Niladri Mahodaya Ashtami Tithi. Today, after the completion of the night Chandan Lagi (Sandalwood Paste Application) ritual at Srimandir, the […]
The whole country understands Friday as Lakshmi’s day, but why is Lakshmi’s day Thursday in Odisha? I asked such an extraordinary question in a very ordinary manner to a Sadhu (holy man/ascetic). The Sadhu, who was resting tiredly under a banyan tree outside the Gundicha Temple, got up. Brushing himself off, he said, “Son! It’s […]
Jay Jagannath, Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya. The third name of this Ratha Yatra is:- (3) Mahavedi Mahotsav or Janmabedi or Antarvedi Yatra:Β Within the Gundicha Temple lies the ‘Yajnabedi’ (sacrificial altar) or ‘Mahavedi’ (great altar) where, during the time of Indradyumna, the idols (Bigraha) were first consecrated (pratishtha) by Brahma along with the performance of a […]
The word ‘Baruth’ means armor or shield (sΔnju or kabacha). She who protects beings from all crises like armor is ‘Varuthini’. Thus, the Ekadashi of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of Vaishakha month is named ‘Varuthini Ekadashi’. This means this Ekadashi rescues beings from all dangers. Its significance is heightened because it falls in the […]
