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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 […]

The word ‘Baruth’ means armor or shield (sānju or kabacha). She who protects beings from all crises like armor is ‘Varuthini’. Thus, the Ekadashi of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of Vaishakha month is named ‘Varuthini Ekadashi’. This means this Ekadashi rescues beings from all dangers. Its significance is heightened because it falls in the […]

Today, on the sacred Ekadashi of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) in the month of Vaishakha (Varuthini Ekadashi), as it coincides with Thursday, the special ritual ‘Danda Chhatra Niti’ is being observed in the Srimandir. Today in the Srimandir, after the completion of the Sandhyadhupa Puja (evening incense offering ritual), along with the Mailam Niti […]

Jay Jagannath, Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya. The second name of this Ratha Yatra is:- (2) Ghosha Yatra :- It is named Ghosha Yatra because Jagat ra Nath Shri Jagannath Mahaprabhu, the Lord of the Universe, travels seated on the Nandighosha chariot with the purpose of proclaiming (ghoshana) the welfare (mangal) of the world. Additionally, because the […]

Jay Jagannath, Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya. Mahaprabhu’s world-famous Shri Gundicha Yatra is held every year from Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya (2nd day of the bright fortnight of Ashadha) until Ashadha Shukla Trayodashi (13th day of the bright fortnight of Ashadha) (Niladri Bije – the final return to the temple). This Ratha Yatra is known by various […]