Jackfruit seed flour is perhaps one of the most valuable and most underrated superfoods in the modern era. Jackfruit has been mentioned as a deva phalam (Divine fruit) and a kalpa vriksha in the Hindu texts with each and every part of the tree used in the medical, domestic and industrial sectors. This sacred tree is revered... Continue Reading →
As the mercury rises, the divine amba pana (better known as aam panna) offers the much - needed respite from the scorching heat. This natural coolant is the ideal offering in the month of Chaitra in Odisha signalling the entry of the season's first raw mangoes. This refreshing preparation is offered to Bhagawan Jagannath as well... Continue Reading →
One of the most popular summer drinks of Odisha is bela pana prepared from the fruit of the divine bael (Aegle marmelos), a tree very dear to Bhagawan Shiva. Bela Pana is a traditional drink that is said to have been first prepared by Bhagawan Jagannath Himself for His devotees centuries ago to beat the scorching... Continue Reading →
Gondhoraj lebu, an important component in Bengali and Odia cuisine has rightly earned the title of the 'king of aroma' or 'king of fragrance'. This delightful native lime adds a fresh burst of flavour to any dish or drink with its distinctive aroma. This indigenous lime is grown extensively in West Bengal and Odisha... Continue Reading →
20 March is celebrated as Pakhala Dibasa around the world in honour of the humble pakhala, a beloved Odia dish. In fact, pakhala is an important naivedhya offered to Bhagawan Jagannath during the Sakala Dhupa, Madhyana Dhupa and Sandhya Dhupa, a tradition that has been followed since the 10th century as per locals. The priests say that Bhagawan... Continue Reading →
The spectacular Konark Temple complex is an excellent example to understand the science of Hindu philosophy and tenets of Shilpa Shastra. This complex is full of architectural and artistic gems that will leave you spellbound. The magnificent Konark Sun Temple in particular is a wonderous architectural and structural feat, a true testimony to one's faith... Continue Reading →
The ancient city of Boudh, formerly a part of the Khinjali Mandala of the Bhanja dynasty is dotted with stunning temples of the late 8th - 9th century built by Maharaja Ranabhanja. The discovery of plates makes mention of grants made by the Bhanjas of Khinjali Mandala to a village of Gandatapati (known later as... Continue Reading →
The Similipal biosphere reserve in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district is renowned for its rich diversity of flora and fauna. This thickly forested area is blessed with many rare medicinal plants, trees, orchids, wildlife and honey. It is estimated that over 70 percent of the population of Mayurbhanj are semi-nomadic tribes who have a deep connection with... Continue Reading →
Mayurbhanj in the northern corner of Odisha was the seat of power of the erstwhile Bhanja dynasty. During the late 14th century, the Delhi Sultanate invaded Odisha and ravaged the historical city of Khiching desecrating temples on their way. The Bhanjas were forced to abandon their ancestral capital of Khiching and flee to safety. An... Continue Reading →
The finest examples of the ancient craft of stone carving adorn the temples of Puri, Bhubaneswar and Konark and is a tribute to the architectural ingenuity that Odisha is renowned for. The sculptures with its exquisite detailing and craftsmanship were an expression of love, devotion and faith and went beyond religion into the realm of... Continue Reading →
जिसे देखते ही मुंह में पानी आ जाए, वो है, "ओडिशा का रशोगुल्ला" इसकी उत्पत्ति का इतिहास आठ सौ साल पुराना है। भगवान जगन्नाथ को रशोगुल्ला भोग के रूप में अर्पण करने की परंपरा सदियों से चली आ रही है। ऐसी मान्यता है की १२वी शताब्दी से यह अद्भुत मिष्ठान्न, जगन्नाथ मंदिर में नीलाद्री बिजे... Continue Reading →
Along with the wily Chanakya, Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Maurya dynasty built one of the largest empires in Akanda Bharat. He abdicated the throne in favour of his son Bindusara who was equal to the task. Bindusara not only consolidated the control over the empire but also extended it further south. Travellers' documentation and... Continue Reading →
The temple town of Ranipur Jharial in Balangir or Bolangir district is renowned for its prowess in Tantra Vidya. This historical town of inestimable importance was part of Dakshin Kosala where Lord Rama spent a great deal of his time. Ranipur Jharial is mentioned as Soma Tirtha in the scriptures and deemed to have many... Continue Reading →
One of the largest Shiva Lingas in India and possibly in Asia is the Baba Bhusandeswar Temple located in the charming village of Bhograi in the coastal district of Balasore. This temple lies almost on the bank of the scenic Subarnarekha River also called Swarnarekha because of the traces of gold found on the river... Continue Reading →
Sisupalgarh is an early historic fortified city estimated to be of the period of 500 BCE - 400 CE. Historians differ over the origin of this city with some claiming that it is Toshali, the capital of the ancient kingdom of Kalinga while others say it is the city of Kalinganagara that was glorified by... Continue Reading →
ओडिशा राज्य के दक्षिणी मध्य भाग में बसा कंधमालअपनी सुगंध से भरपूर हल्दी के लिए प्रसिद्ध है। इस स्थान पर हल्दी आदिवासियों द्वारा सदियों से उगाई जा रही है। यहां का लगभग साठ से सत्तर प्रतिशत क्षेत्र पहाड़ी है और घने जंगलों से ढका हुआ है। जलवायु के हिसाब से, हल्दी के अलावा यह... Continue Reading →
It has been widely accepted by historians that Lord Rama along with Sita Mata and Lakshmana lived in the picturesque Dandakaranya during His exile, a part of which has been identified as the thick forest area of Koraput district in Odisha. According to legend, it was Lord Rama who stumbled upon this ancient swayambhu (self-manifested)... Continue Reading →
Kandhamal in the southern-central part of the state of Odisha is famous for its aromatic turmeric called as Kandhamal turmeric after the region where it is cultivated. Haladi as turmeric is known in Odia has been grown in this region for centuries by the tribals. About 60 - 70 percent of the area is hilly with... Continue Reading →
Historical records of the origin of the mouth-watering Odisha Rasagola dates back to at least 800 years. There is a sacred tradition of rasagolas offered to Lord Jagannath as part of bhog for centuries. It is believed that the culinary delight formed a significant part of the age-old rituals of Niladri Bije of the Jagannath temple... Continue Reading →
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