Category Archives: Articles

“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 […]

  In the Hindu calendar, the movement of the sun holds immense spiritual significance, and this is celebrated through the various Sankrantis that mark its transition from one zodiac sign to another. Among these, Makar Sankranti stands out as a major festival, marking the sun’s entry into Capricorn and the beginning of Uttarayana (the sun’s […]

  In the Hindu tradition, certain days are considered particularly auspicious for seeking specific blessings. Putrada Ekadashi, observed on the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi (eleventh day of the bright fortnight) in the month of Pausha, is one such day. It is associated with Lord Vishnu, and devotees observe this fast seeking blessings for progeny (children). Let’s […]

Shamba Dashami, observed on the Pausha Shukla Dashami (tenth day of the bright fortnight of Pausha), is a significant festival in Odisha dedicated to the Sun God. This day is marked by special rituals and offerings, particularly the preparation of a unique dish called ghanta (a mixed vegetable curry). Let’s delve into the traditions, mythology, […]

The Shri Mahaprasad of Lord Jagannath is more than just food; it’s a sacred offering, imbued with divine grace, which, when consumed with proper respect and devotion, becomes a source of spiritual nourishment. This blog post will guide you on the traditional practices of serving and partaking in this holy offering. Guidelines for Serving Shri […]

Goddess Mahalakshmi, the divine consort of Lord Vishnu, is revered as the embodiment of grace, prosperity, and compassion. The verses provided beautifully express devotion towards her and her significance in the lives of her devotees. Let’s explore these verses and reflect on the profound message they convey about this beloved deity. Salutations to the Divine […]

The Shri Jagannath Temple in Puri is a place where time-honored traditions meet profound spirituality. One such unique observance is the combined rituals of Jeuda Bhoga (offering of food) and Garbha Udaka Bandapana (worship of the sacred womb), performed before the celebration of Shri Krishna Janma (Lord Krishna’s birth). These rituals are symbolic of the […]

Shrikshetra, the sacred land of Puri, is not only a place of worship but also a realm protected by powerful divine forces. Just as Lord Jagannath embodies the unity of all deities, his temple is also guarded by four forms of Mahavir Hanuman, placed at the four cardinal entrances. Each of these Hanumans acts as […]

  The divine is often contemplated through various names and forms, each representing different aspects of its limitless nature. The Shodasha Nama Stotram, a hymn invoking sixteen names of Lord Vishnu/Jagannath, beautifully showcases this concept. It highlights different names for the Lord, each meant to be remembered during particular times or situations. Let’s explore these names […]