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 […]
Rukmini Harana at Puri Srimandir is observed on Jyeshtha Shukla Ekadashi through the ceremonial journey of Shridevi and Shri Madanmohan, followed by the divine marriage rituals. “Jay jay jagannath surjyabansha samubhabah Rukminipati debesha seshachhatra sushobhitah aanjaneya priyah shantah ramarupi subanditah sarbantu mangalam khetre bhaktanam priyabadinam” Rukmini Harana at Puri Srimandir On the Ekadashi (eleventh day) […]
Today is Jala Krida Ekadashi of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the month of Jyeshtha. This day is also celebrated by its other name, “Apara Ekadashi.” This is because, by observing the vow (Brata) of this Ekadashi, the observer (Brati) easily crosses the vast ocean of worldly existence. All great sins […]
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). […]
Sita Navami celebrates the sacred appearance of Maa Sita, also revered as Janaki, Maithili, Vaidehi and Bhumija. On Sita Navami, this article records special Shrimandir rituals for Sita Devi and recounts traditions about her birth and divine identity. Sita Navami at Shrimandir and the Birth of Maa Sita What is Sita Navami? Sita Navami marks […]
Niladri Mahodaya Ashtami is presented here as a sacred Vaishakha observance of Lord Jagannath at Shrimandir. The Niladri Mahodaya Ashtami rituals include the ceremonial water consecration associated with 108 pots, Chandan Sarvangikara, special bhoga and the later movement of the representative deities for Chandan Yatra. Niladri Mahodaya Ashtami and Jala Abhisheka at Shrimandir Today is […]
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. Water Confinement: Preparation of 108 Sacred Pots Today, after the completion of the night Chandan Lagi […]
Mahalakshmi is worshipped with a distinctive Thursday tradition in Odisha. Why is Lakshmi’s day Thursday here when Friday is commonly associated with Lakshmi elsewhere? I asked this 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. […]
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 […]
