Malati: Jagannath’s Sister and the Rakhi Story Malati’s beautiful Rakhi story is a devotional tale of innocence, faith, and Jagannath’s grace. Most of you have probably been to Puri to have a darshan (holy sight) of Lord Jagannath. On the way to Puri, there is a village called “Malati Patapur”. Previously, the name of that village was […]
Today’s Mythological Story The Scriptural Background of Raksha Bandhan Raksha Bandhan is observed on the extremely sacred day of Shravan Purnima. 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 […]
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 ponds known as Puskaranis. These are not just ponds; they are reservoirs of history, myth, and divine […]
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 Jagannath Consciousness known in Odia as Jagannath Chetana. This consciousness connects the Lord to every aspect of life—from family functions and festivals to art, music, and dance. It’s no […]
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 […]
As the monsoon rains bless the holy land of Puri in the month of Shravana, a special festival fills the air with divine romance and joy. This is the Jhulana Yatra, the beautiful swing festival of the Lord. For seven enchanting days, the Srimandir and the entire town celebrate one of the most beloved pastimes […]
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 King Bali—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, […]
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 Leela—His […]
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. Nilamadhab: […]
As you travel through the heartlands of Odisha, you might notice something curious. You will come across many village temples named “Dadhivamana Temple.” Yet, when you look inside, you are greeted by the familiar, loving faces of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra. This raises a beautiful question: Who is Dadhivamana, and why is […]
