The Journey of Devotion: Pandu Purnima and Lord Nrusingha

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, fierce form of Lord Nrusingha, located in the south room of Shri Jagannath Temple, receives a special honor. The Lord takes leave from Shri Jagannath and travels to four Ashrams within Shrikshetra (the sacred area of Puri).

The Tale of Kandu Muni

One of these four Ashrams is the Kandu Ashram. Our text tells us the story of Kandu Muni, a sage who was a great devotee of Lord Nrusingha.

• The Sage’s Penance: Kandu Muni had his ashram by the river Gomati. He performed harsh penances, standing among five fires in the summer and in cold water during winter.

• Temptation: Lord Indra, fearing the power of the sage’s devotion, sent an angel, Pramlocha, to break his meditation. Pramlocha succeeded and the sage was lost in love for many years.

• A Moment of Realization: One evening, Kandu suddenly remembered his evening prayers. He rushed out, and Pramlocha made fun of him, saying that so many years had passed, what did it matter if he missed one more evening?

• Return to the Path: These words brought the sage back to his senses. He felt deep shame, and Pramlocha, sensing his anger, fled to heaven.

Kandu Muni’s Return to the Divine

To atone for his mistake, Kandu Muni went to Purushottama Kshetra, Puri. Here, he established his ashram, worshiped Shri Jagannath, and continued his devotion. Through his dedication, he finally attained liberation.

The Legacy of Pandu Nrusingha

Kandu Muni was a devotee of Lord Nrusingha, and the Nrusingha in his ashram became known as Kandu Nrusingha. Over time, the name transformed into Pandu Nrusingha. On Pandu Purnima, Shri Jagannath Temple celebrates this sacred connection.

A Message of Hope

The story of Kandu Muni reminds us that even if we stray from our path, we can always return to the divine through devotion. This journey of self-realization and dedication is a powerful message for us all.

Bringing Devotion into Your Life

Want to bring the blessings of Mahaprabhu Jagannath into your life? Visit JustKalinga.com to explore a curated collection of murtis, puja items, and other sacred offerings that will deepen your connection with the divine.