Category Archives: Articles

Gahma Purnima: Lord Balabhadra’s Divine Birth Story

#ShravanPurnima is the birthday of Bada Thakura (the Elder Lord) Sri Balabhadra. On this day, a clay idol of him as an infant is made on theΒ janmavediΒ (birth altar) at the Markandeshwar Pushkarini (sacred pond), and his birth festival is celebrated with special rituals. Sri Sudarshan is also present there at that time. #SriBalabhadra is the […]

Jagannath’s Rakhi: The Heart-touching Story of Malati

Jagannath’s Sister, Malati You must read this beautiful story; it will bring tears to your eyes. Most of you have probably been to Puri to have aΒ darshanΒ (holy sight) of Lord Jagannath. On the way to Puri, there is a village called “Malati Patapur”. Previously, the name of that village was Patapur; over time, its name […]

Raksha Bandhan: Puranic Origins & Sacred Stories

Today’s Mythological StoryΒ  β›”β›”β›”β›”β›”β›”β›” The Scriptural Background of Raksha Bandhan =================== Shravan Purnima is an extremely sacred day. 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 as a pan-Indian […]

Puri’s Six Sacred Ponds (Puskaranis)

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 water bodies known as Puskaranis. These are not just ponds; they are reservoirs of history, myth, and […]

Jagannath Consciousness in Odia Novels

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 consciousness known as Jagannath Chetana. This consciousness connects the Lord to every aspect of lifeβ€”from family functions and festivals to art, music, and dance. It’s no surprise that this […]

Sri Ramanujacharya’s Emar Matha Has Lost Its Splendor

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 […]

Nilamadhab: The Lord Before Jagannath

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.   The […]

The Dadhivamana Tradition of Odisha

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 […]

Sri Sudarshana: The Mysterious Fourth Deity

When we look upon the Ratnasimhasana in Puri, we see the Holy Trinity: Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Sri Jagannath. But there is a fourth divine presence, standing to the left of Lord Jagannath like a radiant pillar of wood. This is the mysterious and powerful Sri Sudarshana. But who is he? Is he […]

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