Only the King of Nepal is permitted to perform Aarti (ritual waving of lamps) upon Mahaprabhu’s Ratnabedi (Jewelled Platform). This is solely the right of the Nepalese royal family; even the Gajapati Maharaja, considered the primary servitor (sevak) of Mahaprabhu, does not possess the right to perform Aarti on the Ratnabedi. According to tradition, only […]

Within Srikhetra (Puri), there is a mandap (pavilion) that is architecturally attractive and charming with its sculptural art, located in the north-east corner of the Srimandir (Jagannath Temple). It is famous as the Dolabedi. The Dola Yatra (festival) held around Phalguna Purnima (full moon in Feb/Mar) is as attractive as this Bedi (platform) itself is. […]

Jai Jagannath, Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya. Various Gundicha Yatras are celebrated in the Srimandir. These are: (1) Shakta Gundicha(2) Saura Gundicha(3) Shaiva Gundicha(4) Sri Gundicha (1) ‘Shakta Gundicha’ or ‘Sharadiya Gundicha’: This yatra is observed from Ashwina Krushna Ashtami (the 8th day of the dark fortnight of Ashwina month), also known as Mulastami, until Ashwina Shukla […]

Jai Jagannath, Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya. Mahaprabhu Sri Jagannath is a deity full of divine plays (Lila). Many festivals and celebrations of the Mahaprabhu are observed. It is said – ‘Thirteen festivals in twelve months.’ This number thirteen is quite symbolic. However, twelve major yatras (festivals/journeys) of the Mahaprabhu are observed within a single year. […]

“Pakhala Bhoga (offering) is offered to Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath* ll Subasa Pakhala (Fragrant Pakhala) ll: – First, after the rice is cooked in a pot, water is added to it. Salt is added according to taste, chopped ginger, fried cumin are added, and it is served as Prasad (blessed food). Since it is a fragrant […]

  The month of Magha, named after the Magha Nakshatra, is considered a particularly sacred time in the Hindu calendar. The word itself means “free from all sin.” It is a time when devotees are encouraged to purify their bodies and minds by engaging in practices like Magha Snana, a ritual bath performed during the […]