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Chandana-yātrā of Lord Jagannātha

The Hindu believes in the festivals of Lord Jagannath as the source of giving entertainment to the human society, So the festivals relating to Lord Jagannath are the occasions of great religious experience and devotional favour. In the metaphysical system the festivals are known as 'Yatra'. Many festivals of Puri are related to Lord Jagannath and the Jagannath temple , out of which one most important festival is 'Chandan Yatra'. This summer Festival of Lord Jagannath falls in April-May on Akshay

Guru (Vyasa) Purnima

Guru (Vyasa) Purnima is observed in honour of the sage Vyasa. Some sampradayas refer to Guru Purnima as Vyasa Purnima. The full moon day in the month of Ashadha (July- August) is observed as the day of Guru Purnima. The period of Chaturmasya also begins from this day. Sage Vyasa compiled the four Vedas, the Mahabharata and the Eighteen Puranas. The name Veda Vyasa refers to Krishna Dwaipayana who was the son of Satyavati and sage Parashara - this is before Satyavati married King Shantanu of

Lord Jagannatha's Return Journey ~ End of the Ratha-yatra Festival

The deities, after the seven-day stay at Gundicha Temple, their garden house, commence their return journey. It is called Bahuda Yatra held on the tenth day of bright fortnight of Ashadha. The return of the chariots takes place in the same order as in the Rath Yatra. Balabhadra’s chariot moves first, followed by those of Subhadra and Jagannath. On his way back, Jagannath stops for a while at Ardhasani temple, popularly called Mausi Ma temple or the temple of Aunt. He accepts from the aunt His fa

Ratha-yatra (Chariot Festival of Lord Jagannatha)

The Jagannath triad are usually worshiped in the sanctum of the temple at Puri, but once during the month of Asadha (Rainy Season of Orissa, usually falling in month of June or July), they are brought out onto the Bada Danda (main street of Puri) and travel (3 km) to the Shri Gundicha Temple, in huge chariots (ratha), allowing the public to have darśana (Holy view). This festival is known as Rath Yatra, meaning the journey (yatra) of the chariots (ratha). The Rathas are huge wheeled wooden struc

Shayana Ekadasi

Yudhisthira Maharaj said, "Oh Keshava, what is the name of the Ekadashi that occurs during the light fortnight of the month of Ashadha (June – July) and what is the process for observing this event?" Lord Sri Krishna replied, "I shall tell you a wonderful historical event that Lord Brahma once narrated to his son Narada Muni. One day Narada Muni asked his father, 'What is the name of the Ekadashi that comes during the light part of the month of Ashadha? Kindly tell me how I should observe t

Shri Lakshmi-devi's Victory: The Hera Panchami Celebration

Dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, Hera Panchami is a unique festival at the Gundicha temple, celebrated with a mixed spirit of love and pangs of a brief separation from the Lord. Popular belief goes like this, before Lord Jagannath visits Gundicha temple with his siblings, he promises his wife Lakshmi Devi that He will return the next day. But Lord Jagannath in the company of his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra Devi forgets to go to Lakshmi Devi, as He finds Himself in the midst of millions o

Yogini Ekadasi

Yudhishthira Maharaj said, "Oh Supreme Lord, I have heard the glories of the Nirjala Ekadashi, which occurs during the light fortnight of the month of Jyeshtha (May – June). Now I wish to hear from You about the Shuddha Ekadashi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Ashadha (June – July). Kindly describe to me all about it in detail." Shri Krishna, then replied, "Oh king, I shall indeed tell you about the best of all fasting days, the Ekadashi that comes during the dark part