Category Archives: Articles

The eleventh day of the bright fortnight of the Vaishakha month is known as Niljala Ekadashi. Out of the 24 Ekadashis in the year, Niljala Ekadashi is considered the most important. On this day, the practice of fasting without water is observed. This is believed to yield the benefits of all Ekadashis at once. Drinking […]

  “Jay jay jagannath surjyabansha samubhabah Rukminipati debesha seshachhatra sushobhitah aanjaneya priyah shantah ramarupi subanditah sarbantu mangalam khetre bhaktanam priyabadinam” On the Ekadashi (eleventh day) of the bright fortnight of Jyeshtha, the Rukmini Harana (abduction of Rukmini) and marriage festival rituals are observed at the Srimandir. On this day, during the morning ‘dhupa’ puja, Shri […]

You are all aware that Lord Balabhadra’s (Badathakur’s) chariot is named Taladhwaja, but in Tulasi Kshetra, Lord Balabhadra’s chariot is named Brahma Taladhwaja. There is a special significance to this nomenclature. Since the idol (vigraha) of Shri Siddha Baladevajiu is made of Manisila (divine stone, also referred to as Brahma), Baladevajiu is known as Brahma […]

Today is “Mohini Ekadashi.” The Ekadashi of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) of the Baishakha month is celebrated as Mohini Ekadashi. Mohini Ekadashi is considered special among all Ekadashis. Because, according to Puranic legends, on this day, Lord Vishnu took the form of Mohini to enable the gods (Devatas) to drink Amrita (nectar of immortality). […]

Om Nilambhoja Dalabhirama Nayanama Nilambara Alankrutam।Gourangim Sharadindu Sundaramukhim Vismrera Bimbadharam।।Karunyam Mrutavarshinim Harihara Brahmadhihi Vanditam।Dhyayet Sarva Janepa Sitartha Phaladam Ramapriya Janakim।।Dhyayet Mahadevi Sita Trilokya Pujitam।Tapta Hataka Varnabham Padma Yugma Karadvaye Sadratna Bhushana Spurad Divyadeha Shubhatmikam।।Nana Vastram Shashimukhim Padmakshim Muditantaram।Pashyanti Raghavam Punyam Shayya Shadguneshvarim।। On the auspicious occasion of Sita Navami, after the midday offering (Dwiprahara Dhupa), […]

Today is the auspicious Vaishakha Shukla Paksha Ashtami Tithi, and this sacred day is known as Niladri Mahodaya Ashtami. It is described in the Bamadeva Samhita and Skanda Purana that on this day, Brahma himself performed the Pushyabhisheka or Jalabhisheka (water consecration) of Mahaprabhu. From time immemorial, Kaliya Saanta (Lord Jagannath) resides in the holy […]

Today, on the auspicious Vaishakha Shukla Paksha Saptami Tithi, the ritual of Jaladhibasa (Water Confinement) is being performed. This ritual is held in preparation for the Jala Abhisheka (Water Consecration) of Mahaprabhu on the upcoming Niladri Mahodaya Ashtami Tithi. Today, after the completion of the night Chandan Lagi (Sandalwood Paste Application) ritual at Srimandir, the […]

The whole country understands Friday as Lakshmi’s day, but why is Lakshmi’s day Thursday in Odisha? I asked such an 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 up. Brushing himself off, he said, “Son! It’s […]

Jay Jagannath, Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya. The third name of this Ratha Yatra is:- (3) Mahavedi Mahotsav or Janmabedi or Antarvedi Yatra: Within the Gundicha Temple lies the ‘Yajnabedi’ (sacrificial altar) or ‘Mahavedi’ (great altar) where, during the time of Indradyumna, the idols (Bigraha) were first consecrated (pratishtha) by Brahma along with the performance of a […]