In the year when Vaishakha Shukla Navami (9th day of the bright fortnight of the Vaishakha month) falls on a Thursday coinciding with Shravana Nakshatra and Makara Rashi (Capricorn constellation), Shri Jagannath’s Raghunath Besha takes place. Shri Ramanujacharya introduced this Besha (attire/decoration). Gajapati Ramachandra Deb, in the 11th Anka (regnal year) of his reign, on […]
Paita Lagi is the sacred thread ritual connected with protecting Mahaprabhu’s Shri Anga. Brahman (the Absolute Reality) is the sole truth, and Mahaprabhu Jagannath is the embodiment of Brahman. The Paita or Upavita (sacred thread) is the identity marker of a Brahmin. This thread (sutra or suta), after being imbued with and consecrated (abhimantrita) with […]
Mother Mahalakshmi is worshipped with a distinctive Thursday tradition in Odisha. Why is Lakshmi’s day Thursday here when Friday is commonly associated with Lakshmi elsewhere? I asked this 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 […]
Badi Nrusingha Bijé reflects the unique Jagannath consciousness and culture of Shri Kshetra Puri. Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath performs various human-like divine plays (Lilas) in this Srikhetra (Puri). Certain rituals (Niti) and traditions (Parampara) of Mahaprabhu are associated with every calamity that befalls human society. That is why it is described in the scriptures (Shastras): “ […]
Kankanasikhari is remembered as one of the sacred places connected with Lord Jagannath’s secret journeys during periods of danger. During the 18 attacks by Mughal forces (and other rulers) on the Shri Jagannath Temple, Mahaprabhu (the Great Lord) left the Ratnasinghasan (Jewelled Throne) 21 times and enacted his divine play (Lila) in various places. Among […]
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 […]
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. Dolabedi Architecture and Dola Yatra The Dola Yatra (festival) held around Phalguna Purnima (full moon in Feb/Mar) is as attractive as […]
Jai Jagannath, Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya. This Part 2 article explores Rath Yatra traditions connected with the different Gundicha Yatras observed in Srimandir. Rath Yatra Traditions in Srimandir: Shakta and Saura Gundicha Within the wider Rath Yatra tradition, Srimandir remembers several distinct Gundicha observances. Part 2 focuses on Shakta Gundicha and Saura Gundicha, while also […]
Jai Jagannath, Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya. This Part 1 introduction places Rath Yatra within the wider cycle of Lord Jagannath’s annual yatras celebrated in Srimandir. Rath Yatra in Lord Jagannath’s Twelve Annual Yatras Rath Yatra is one of the twelve major sacred journeys listed in this traditional annual cycle. The article also names Snana Yatra, […]
