In the heart of Puri, within the sacred precincts of the Shri Jagannath Temple, a unique and deeply moving tradition unfolds each year – Deva Deepavali, the festival of lights for the divine. This is not just a festival of illumination, but a heartfelt homage to ancestors, a ritual in which Shri Jagannath Mahaprabhu himself […]
Category Archives: Articles
As the Shri Jagannath Temple in Puri welcomes devotees from far and wide, the temple administration is always seeking ways to improve the darshan experience. Starting January 1st, new guidelines will be implemented to streamline the flow of devotees, particularly within the inner sanctums. Let’s explore these new measures designed to offer a more organized […]
Byanjan Dwadashi, also known as Akhanda Dwadashi, is a unique Hindu festival observed on the Margashira Shukla Dwadashi (the twelfth day of the waxing moon phase in the month of Margashira). This special day commemorates the profound love and care that Mother Yashoda showered upon her beloved son, Lord Krishna. Rooted in the legends of […]
The Bahara Chandan Yatra, or the outer sandalwood festival, is a beloved annual event in Puri, Odisha, that spans 21 days. During this period, Lord Madanmohan, a representative deity of Lord Jagannath, graces his devotees with a new and unique Besha (attire) each day. This vibrant and colorful festival not only celebrates the divine but […]
The Shri Jagannath Temple in Puri is not merely a place of worship; it’s a sacred abode where divine grace often manifests in unexpected ways. The story of Uaansi and her son, Patita, provides a poignant example of this, revealing the mystical origins of the Patitapabana Banner (the flag of the savior of the downtrodden) […]
The Ratna Bedi of Puri’s Shri Jagannath Temple is a sacred platform adorned with divine forms. While the central deities – Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra – are widely revered, the Ratna Bedi also houses lesser-known deities, each with their own significance and connection to the main triad. The Divine Ensemble In […]
Lord Jagannath, the presiding deity of Puri’s Jagannath Temple, is not merely a deity; he is an embodiment of divine wisdom, love, and artistry. The Shodasha Kala, or the sixteen arts, represent different facets of this divine wisdom, offering a roadmap for spiritual and personal growth. These sixteen arts are not literal arts, but rather […]
Sankranti, a festival celebrated throughout India, holds a special place in the hearts of Odias. Marking the sun’s transition from one zodiac sign to another, each Sankranti brings unique spiritual significance and is observed with various traditions and rituals. One of the key practices associated with Sankranti is the Sankranti Homa, a sacred fire ritual […]
Dhanu Sankranti is a significant festival in Odisha, observed since ancient times. It marks the sun’s transit into Sagittarius, and brings with it the tradition of the Pahili Bhog at the revered Shri Jagannath Temple in Puri. This festival, celebrated from Dhanu Sankranti to Makar Sankranti, beautifully combines the cultural and spiritual essence of Odisha. […]
In the sacred town of Puri, there are many special days. One of them is Pandu Purnima, also called Pandu Punei by the locals. This day is all about Lord Nrusingha and a story of devotion and second chances. Let’s dive into the traditions and the tale behind this day. Pandu Nrusingha’s Temple Journey On Pandu Purnima, the eight-armed, […]