Today’s Mythological Story ⛔⛔⛔⛔⛔⛔⛔ 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 […]
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 […]
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 life—from family functions and festivals to art, music, and dance. It’s no surprise that this […]
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 […]
As the monsoon rains bless the holy land of Puri in the month of Shravana, a special festival fills the air with divine romance and joy. This is the Jhulana Yatra, the beautiful swing festival of the Lord. For seven enchanting days, the Srimandir and the entire town celebrate one of the most beloved pastimes […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Mā dguru Sri Jagadguru; Mādatmā Sarvabhutātmā (My Guru is the Guru of the world; My Soul is the Soul of all beings) When we stand before the Lord of the Universe, Sri Jagannath, we say we are having His “darshan.” But what does this sacred word truly mean? Is it simply the act of seeing […]
