Lord Purushottama, lovingly called Kalia, is the King of all holy lands.Lord Purushottama is the King of all Deities. Among all the pilgrimage sites, Purushottama Dhama (Puri) is the greatest. Among all the gods, Shri Jagannath, lovingly called Kalia, is the supreme. Since time immemorial, the Lord of the Universe, Shri Jagannath, has existed in […]
The Jala Adhibasa (consecration) ritual is performed today, on the Chaturdashi Tithi (14th lunar day), just a day before Pausha Purnima, following the completion of the Chandanalagi (sandalwood application) ritual. For this purpose, the Bhoga Mandapa (offering hall) is thoroughly washed and cleaned, and a canopy (Chandua) is hung. Ghee and water, brought from the Rosha Kupa (temple kitchen well) in new earthen pots, are kept […]
Today is the holy Bakula (Baula) Amavasya. In the tradition of tree worship, the festival dedicated to worshipping the mango tree is known as Baula or Bakula Lagi Amavasya. It is also called Baula Amavasya. The new moon day (Amavasya) of the Pausha month is famous as Bakula Amavasya. By this time, the severity of winter decreases, and mango blossoms […]
Abandoning all forms of luxury and comfort, the King is imprisoned inside a dark dungeon. This Kalki story begins with the suffering of a king far from home. Whips strike his back, followed by cane thrashings. Salt is rubbed into the open wounds on his body. Oh, the unbearable pain! He is no ordinary man; […]
Dhanu Sankranti is another major festival for Odia people. This Dhanu Sankranti observance has been followed since time immemorial. The transition of the Sun into the Sagittarius zodiac (Dhanu Rashi) is called Dhanu Sankranti. The period from this Sankranti up to Makara Sankranti constitutes the time of intense winter. During this time, it is natural for […]
Saphala Ekadashi at a glance: Saphala Ekadashi is observed in the Krishna Paksha of Pousha and centers on the worship of Lord Narayana. The Saphala Ekadashi account below presents its vrat tradition, the story of Lumbaka, and the scriptural dialogue associated with the observance. Saphala Ekadashi of the waning phase (Krishna Paksha) of the Pousha […]
This festival is observed on the Dwitiya Tithi (second day) of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the month of Pausha. This Osha (fast) is observed in honor of Lord Yamaraja (the God of Death). Mothers fast at night to pray for the longevity of their sons. They sweep the street (Danda) with a Bajramuli plant and gently brush/sweep […]
Pandu Nrusingha mantra: “Om Tababhuta Rupam Drustva Bhaye Kampe Sunashiram.Bhayamcha Devatam Sarve Narasimha Namostute.” (Salutations to Lord Narasimha; seeing Your terrifying form makes Indra tremble in fear, and all the deities are struck with awe.) On the occasion of Margashira Purnima or Pandu Purnima, the “Chari Ashrama Bije” (procession to the four hermitages) festival of Pandu Nrusingha takes place. Today, […]
Today, on the occasion of Margasira Sukla Panchami (the 5th day of the bright fortnight of the month of Margasira), the ‘Ghoda Adhibasa’ (Sanctification of Winter Garments) ritual of Mahaprabhu is being observed. Today, after the completion of Mahaprabhu’s Badasinghara Bhoga (the late-night food offering), the Puja Pandas will perform the Adhibasa (consecration/sanctification) of the winter garments (Ghoda) for the Deities inside the Bhoga Mandapa. […]
Deba Dipabali reflects the sacred principle of honoring one’s ancestors. The Formless Supreme Brahman (Paramabrahma) is the foundation of all creation. He is beyond the elements of Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheswara. He manages the creation through the three Gunas: Sattva, Raja, and Tama. He assumes various forms for the protection of creation. Sometimes He is […]
