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The Almighty Lord Jagannath has returned to His abode after the sacred nine-day sojourn i.e. Rath Yatra, culminating in ...
05/08/2026

The Almighty Lord Jagannath has returned to His abode after the sacred nine-day sojourn i.e. Rath Yatra, culminating in the auspicious Niladri Bije.

As the annual holy celebration is about to conclude, let us salute the invisible hands behind this grand festival:- the artisans, servitors, volunteers, security personnel, countless devotees, administration and all others we fail to mention, whose dedication and devotion make this timeless tradition a great success.

A tribute to the unsung heroes of Rath Yatra.

AI GENERATED IMAGE (FOR REPRESENTATIONAL PURPOSE ONLY)

NILADRI BIJE - The Sweet Homecoming of Lord Jagannath.After spending several days at the Gundicha Temple, Lord Jagannath...
27/07/2026

NILADRI BIJE - The Sweet Homecoming of Lord Jagannath.

After spending several days at the Gundicha Temple, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra begin their journey back to the Sri Mandir in Puri.
But when Lord Jagannath reaches the temple, Maa Lakshmi is upset. She is said to be angry because the Lord had gone on His grand journey without taking her along. She refuses to let Him enter!
The Lord then lovingly tries to win her heart with a sweet offering of Rasagola. Maa Lakshmi finally forgives Him, and the doors of the temple open for His return.
This joyful homecoming is known as NILADRI BIJE, marking the beautiful conclusion of the Ratha Yatra—a story of love, devotion, forgiveness and reunion.



Kankana Shikhari, a serene island in the waters of Chilika, carries a fascinating chapter of Odisha's Jagannath traditio...
22/07/2026

Kankana Shikhari, a serene island in the waters of Chilika, carries a fascinating chapter of Odisha's Jagannath tradition. According to local tradition, during the invasion of Puri by Taqi Khan in 1731, the deities of the Jagannath tradition were secretly moved to this secluded island for safety.
During their stay, the Lords were offered local produce, including the kankana/kankada, a native spine gourd, which became closely associated with the island's identity. The word "Shikhari" refers to the elevated hill or peak, giving the place its distinctive name.
Today, this sacred memory comes alive through a truly unique celebration—the Floating Rath Yatra. The Holy Trinity of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra are placed on a beautifully decorated chariot formed by joining boats, and the divine procession glides across the tranquil waters of Chilika. The lake itself becomes a floating Bada Danda, creating a spectacular blend of faith, history and nature.



The sacred Akhandalamani Temple, nestled on the banks of the Baitarani River, is one of Odisha's most revered shrines de...
10/07/2026

The sacred Akhandalamani Temple, nestled on the banks of the Baitarani River, is one of Odisha's most revered shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. The name "Akhandalamani" means "the Eternal Jewel"—the infinite and indestructible form of Mahadeva. According to local tradition, a cowherd noticed one of his cows mysteriously pouring milk over a stone every day. Curious villagers uncovered a self-manifested (Swayambhu) Shiva Linga at that very spot, believing it to be a divine revelation. It is believed that the temple was later built by the king of Kanika to honour the sacred discovery.
Today, thousands of devotees visit Akhandalamani Temple throughout the year, especially during the holy month of Shravana, when pilgrims carry sacred water and offer it to the deity with deep devotion. Devotees all around the state & from outside throng in large numbers during Maha Shivaratri for Jagara festival. Surrounded by serene natural beauty and centuries-old faith, the temple continues to symbolize unwavering devotion, divine grace, and the timeless presence of Lord Shiva in the heart of Odisha.




Long before Sambalpur became a thriving city, the banks of the mighty Mahanadi were covered with dense forests and inhab...
07/07/2026

Long before Sambalpur became a thriving city, the banks of the mighty Mahanadi were covered with dense forests and inhabited by tribal communities. According to local tradition, the Divine Mother revealed herself here as Maa Samaleswari, the guardian deity of the land, blessing her devotees with strength, prosperity, and protection. Revered as the presiding deity of western Odisha, she has been worshipped for centuries by kings, warriors, farmers, and tribal communities alike.
The present temple, believed to have been built in the 16th century by the Chauhan rulers of Sambalpur, stands as a symbol of faith and cultural unity. Every year, during the harvest festival of Nuakhai, thousands of devotees offer the season's first grains to Maa Samaleswari in traditional attire, which is inspired by the rich cultural history & spirituality centred around the temple; seeking her blessings for abundance and well-being. The temple comes alive with vibrant rituals, devotional music, and the unwavering faith of pilgrims from across Odisha and beyond.




After the sacred Snana Yatra, Lord Jagannath, along with Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, retires to the Anasara Ghara...
03/07/2026

After the sacred Snana Yatra, Lord Jagannath, along with Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, retires to the Anasara Ghara for about fifteen days, remaining away from public darshan at the Jagannath Temple. During this sacred period, tradition holds that Lord Jagannath manifests Himself as Lord Alarnath, drawing countless devotees to the revered Alarnath Temple for His divine darshan. The temple is especially renowned for its sacred Kheer Bhoga—a rich sweet rice delicacy offered in earthen pots. According to legend, the Lord once accepted this offering directly from a young devotee, leaving the marks of His divine touch on the hot kheer, making it one of Odisha's most cherished prasads. This timeless tradition reminds devotees that while the Lord may withdraw from one place, He never withdraws His grace. He simply reveals Himself in another form, assuring every sincere seeker that His divine presence, love, and blessings are always nearby.



The Snana Jatra, Anasara & Lord AlarnathOn the sacred Snana Jatra, celebrated on the full moon of Jyestha, Lord Jagannat...
01/07/2026

The Snana Jatra, Anasara & Lord Alarnath

On the sacred Snana Jatra, celebrated on the full moon of Jyestha, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Sudarshana are ceremonially bathed with 108 golden pots of sacred water. According to tradition, the deities develop a fever after the divine bath and retire to the Anasara Ghara for about 15 days, remaining away from public view.
During Anasara, the Daita servitors and Raj Vaidyas care for the deities with herbal medicines, including Dasamula, and a light diet of fruits, milk preparations, and other easily digestible foods.
Though Lord Jagannath remains in seclusion, the sacred tradition of Mahaprasad continues. Devotees believe the Lord manifests as Alarnath Temple at Brahmagiri during this period, making it the principal place of worship. The temple is especially revered for its sacred Kheer (sweet rice) offering.
This tradition was further popularized by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who worshipped Lord Alarnath when Lord Jagannath was in Anasara, inspiring countless devotees to do the same.



Mukteswar Temple, Bhubaneswar is a magnificent 10th-century shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva and is renowned as the "Gem o...
29/06/2026

Mukteswar Temple, Bhubaneswar is a magnificent 10th-century shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva and is renowned as the "Gem of Odisha Architecture." Built during the Somavamshi dynasty, it is celebrated for its exquisite carvings, rare monolithic arched Torana, lattice windows, and beautifully sculpted assembly hall. Located in the sacred Ekamra Kshetra of Bhubaneswar, the temple is a landmark of Kalinga architecture and a precursor to later masterpieces like Rajarani and Lingaraj temples. The Marichi K***a tank located within the premises of the temple, is associated with spiritual and legendary healing beliefs. The annual Mukteswar Dance Festival organised by Govt. of Odisha, showcases Odisha’s rich cultural heritage and tradition. A blend of history, art, and devotion, Mukteshwar Temple remains one of Odisha’s most treasured heritage sites.




Chausathi Yogini Temple, Hirapur is a rare 9th-century ta***ic shrine located about 20 km from Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Buil...
23/06/2026

Chausathi Yogini Temple, Hirapur is a rare 9th-century ta***ic shrine located about 20 km from Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Built by Queen Hiradevi of the Bhaumakara dynasty, it is dedicated to Maa Mahamaya and the 64 Yoginis. Renowned for its unique circular, roofless design symbolizing ta***ic beliefs and the five elements, the temple houses 63 surviving Yogini idols, each with distinct features and vahanas. The central shrine is dedicated to Bhairava, a form of Lord Shiva. A rare highlight is the feminine form of Lord Ganesha worshipped as a Yogini. Reflecting influences of Vajrayana Buddhism and ta***ic traditions, the temple was rediscovered in 1953 and is now protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), standing as a remarkable symbol of Odisha’s ta***ic and Shakti heritage.




"Chilika – Where Nature Meets Eternity"ଉତ୍କଳ-କମଳା-ବିଳାସ-ଦୀର୍ଘିକା,ମରାଳ-ମାଳିନୀ-ନୀଳାମ୍ବୁ-ଚିଲିକା,ଉତ୍କଳର ତୁହି ଚାରୁ ଅଳଙ୍କାର,ଉତ...
19/06/2026

"Chilika – Where Nature Meets Eternity"

ଉତ୍କଳ-କମଳା-ବିଳାସ-ଦୀର୍ଘିକା,
ମରାଳ-ମାଳିନୀ-ନୀଳାମ୍ବୁ-ଚିଲିକା,
ଉତ୍କଳର ତୁହି ଚାରୁ ଅଳଙ୍କାର,
ଉତ୍କଳ-ଭୁବନେ ଶୋଭାର ଭଣ୍ଡାର.

The pleasure-lake of the lotus-goddess of Utkala (Odisha),
Adorned with swans and possessing deep blue waters, Oh Chilika!
You are the beautiful ornament of Utkala,
The ultimate treasure-house of beauty in the land of Utkala.

उत्कल कमल (ओडिशा की लक्ष्मी/सौंदर्य) के विलास की क्रीड़ा-स्थली,
हंसों की माला से सुशोभित और नीले जल वाली हे चिलिका!
तुम उत्कल के अनुपम आभूषण हो,
उत्कल की भूमि में सौंदर्य के विशाल भंडार हो।

Nestled along the eastern coast of Odisha, Chilika Lake is a timeless masterpiece of nature and the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia. Spanning across breath-taking landscapes, shimmering waters, and vibrant ecosystems, Chilika is more than a destination—it is an unforgettable experience that touches the soul. A thriving habitat of Siberian Migratory Birds and the dancing Irrawaddy Dolphins.

Panthanivas Barkul is the Gateway to Chilika’s wonders & offers mesmerizing views of the lagoon and serves as the perfect starting point for exploring the legendary Kalijai, Nalabana and Mangalajodi.

Panthanivas Rambha is the Queen of Chilika & provides an idyllic setting where guests can immerse themselves in the serenity of Chilika while cruising around the Breakfast Island.

Experience the captivating Chilika with OTDC.

Think India; Think Odisha; Immerse on the banks of the Blue Lagoon.

While you retire from the ultimate treasure trove of nature, your heart breaks with the impulsive feelings that follows: -

ରହ ରହ କ୍ଷଣେ ବାଷ୍ପୀୟ ଶକଟ,
ଦେଖିବି ଚିଲିକା ଚାରୁ ଚିତ୍ରପଟ । . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ନୀଳ ବିଚିମାଳା ଧୀରେ ଧୀରେ ଯାଏ,
ଲଗାୟୀ ସ୍ୱପ୍ନେ ଦେଖିଲା ପରାୟେ । . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Stop, stop for a moment, O steam engine,
So I can behold the beautiful portrait of Chilika . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The blue waves roll gently and fade away,
Like a beautiful vision seen in a dream . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ठहरो, ठहरो क्षण भर, हे वाष्पयान (रेलगाड़ी),
मैं देख लूँ चिल्का का सुंदर चित्रपट। . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
नीली लहरों की माला धीरे-धीरे आगे बढ़ती है,
मानो स्वप्न में कोई दृश्य देख रहा हूँ। . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

For more details, contact: 9078885514, 9777201403, [email protected] / 9078885531, 9168387835, [email protected]
India, Think Odisha #

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Panthanivas
Bhubaneswar
751001

Telephone

+916742435618

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