Kankanasikhari is remembered as one of the sacred places connected with Lord Jagannath’s secret journeys during periods of danger. During the 18 attacks by Mughal forces (and other rulers) on the Shri Jagannath Temple, Mahaprabhu (the Great Lord) left the Ratnasinghasan (Jewelled Throne) 21 times and enacted his divine play (Lila) in various places. Among […]
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 […]
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. Dolabedi Architecture and Dola Yatra The Dola Yatra (festival) held around Phalguna Purnima (full moon in Feb/Mar) is as attractive as […]
Jai Jagannath, Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya. This Part 2 article explores Rath Yatra traditions connected with the different Gundicha Yatras observed in Srimandir. Rath Yatra Traditions in Srimandir: Shakta and Saura Gundicha Within the wider Rath Yatra tradition, Srimandir remembers several distinct Gundicha observances. Part 2 focuses on Shakta Gundicha and Saura Gundicha, while also […]
Jai Jagannath, Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya. This Part 1 introduction places Rath Yatra within the wider cycle of Lord Jagannath’s annual yatras celebrated in Srimandir. Rath Yatra in Lord Jagannath’s Twelve Annual Yatras Rath Yatra is one of the twelve major sacred journeys listed in this traditional annual cycle. The article also names Snana Yatra, […]
“Pakhala Dibasa highlights Odisha’s beloved pakhala tradition and its devotional connection with Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath. On Pakhala Dibasa, devotees can also reflect on the varieties of Pakhala Bhoga offered in the Srimandir. Pakhala Dibasa: Pakhala Bhoga Varieties at Jagannath Temple ll Subasa Pakhala (Fragrant Pakhala) ll: – First, after the rice is cooked in a […]
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 Odisha traditions mark the sun’s entry into Capricorn and the beginning of Uttarayana (the sun’s northward journey). Let’s delve […]
The Shri Jagannath Temple in Puri is a place where devotion and beauty intertwine seamlessly. One such expression of this divine blend is the Phula Melana (flower gathering) ritual, a cherished tradition held on the sacred Pausha Purnima or the eve of Makar Sankranti (also known as Nabaanka Besha). During this time, the deities […]
