Category Archives: Articles

Only the King of Nepal is permitted to perform Aarti (ritual waving of lamps) upon Mahaprabhu’s Ratnabedi (Jewelled Platform). This is solely the right of the Nepalese royal family; even the Gajapati Maharaja, considered the primary servitor (sevak) of Mahaprabhu, does not possess the right to perform Aarti on the Ratnabedi. According to tradition, only […]

Within Srikhetra (Puri), there is a mandap (pavilion) that is architecturally attractive and charming with its sculptural art, located in the north-east corner of the Srimandir (Jagannath Temple). It is famous as the Dolabedi. The Dola Yatra (festival) held around Phalguna Purnima (full moon in Feb/Mar) is as attractive as this Bedi (platform) itself is. […]

Jai Jagannath, Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya. Various Gundicha Yatras are celebrated in the Srimandir. These are: (1) Shakta Gundicha(2) Saura Gundicha(3) Shaiva Gundicha(4) Sri Gundicha (1) ‘Shakta Gundicha’ or ‘Sharadiya Gundicha’: This yatra is observed from Ashwina Krushna Ashtami (the 8th day of the dark fortnight of Ashwina month), also known as Mulastami, until Ashwina Shukla […]

Jai Jagannath, Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya. Mahaprabhu Sri Jagannath is a deity full of divine plays (Lila). Many festivals and celebrations of the Mahaprabhu are observed. It is said – ‘Thirteen festivals in twelve months.’ This number thirteen is quite symbolic. However, twelve major yatras (festivals/journeys) of the Mahaprabhu are observed within a single year. […]

“Pakhala Bhoga (offering) is offered to Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath* ll Subasa Pakhala (Fragrant Pakhala) ll: – First, after the rice is cooked in a pot, water is added to it. Salt is added according to taste, chopped ginger, fried cumin are added, and it is served as Prasad (blessed food). Since it is a fragrant […]

  The month of Magha, named after the Magha Nakshatra, is considered a particularly sacred time in the Hindu calendar. The word itself means “free from all sin.” It is a time when devotees are encouraged to purify their bodies and minds by engaging in practices like Magha Snana, a ritual bath performed during the […]

  In the Hindu calendar, the movement of the sun holds immense spiritual significance, and this is celebrated through the various Sankrantis that mark its transition from one zodiac sign to another. Among these, Makar Sankranti stands out as a major festival, marking the sun’s entry into Capricorn and the beginning of Uttarayana (the sun’s […]

  In the Hindu tradition, certain days are considered particularly auspicious for seeking specific blessings. Putrada Ekadashi, observed on the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi (eleventh day of the bright fortnight) in the month of Pausha, is one such day. It is associated with Lord Vishnu, and devotees observe this fast seeking blessings for progeny (children). Let’s […]

Shamba Dashami, observed on the Pausha Shukla Dashami (tenth day of the bright fortnight of Pausha), is a significant festival in Odisha dedicated to the Sun God. This day is marked by special rituals and offerings, particularly the preparation of a unique dish called ghanta (a mixed vegetable curry). Let’s delve into the traditions, mythology, […]