SJTA moves Puri admn to protect Saradha Bali
2
Bhubaneswar: The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has requested the Puri district administration to preserve Saradha Bali, the consecrated sandy open space in front of Gundicha Temple, the birthplace of the deities of Jagannath Temple.
The SJTA has expressed concerns regarding the use of this sacred space, which holds profound connections to Jagannath culture and Rath Yatra, for various government and private functions throughout the year.
The shrine body's chief administrator, Arabinda Kumar Padhee, has addressed a formal letter to Puri municipality, advocating for the appropriate protection of this hallowed location, which holds substantial importance during the annual Rath Yatra.
"In light of its cultural and religious importance, I have requested that the district administration ensures that Saradha Bali is not utilized for any other purpose that may detract from its sanctity and association with Shree Jagannatha Temple," Padhee said.
Padhee emphasised that Saradha Bali requires conservation and improvement in accordance with the Jagannath temple's cultural legacy and customs. "This important place should be reserved exclusively for purposes ancillary to Shree Jagannatha culture, ensuring that the sacredness and cultural significance of Saradha Bali are maintained for the benefit of devotees," Padhee said.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Investire è più facile che mai
BG SAXO
Scopri di più
Undo
Saradha Bali serves as a crucial element in the Rath Yatra, designating the location where the chariots halt before the deities proceed to Gundicha Temple. Mythological accounts suggest that a river named Malini previously flowed between the Jagannath Temple and Gundicha Temple. The riverbed was subsequently filled with sand to facilitate the chariot procession during Rath Yatra.
"It is believed that the site derives its name from queen Saradha Devi, who reportedly filled the riverbed with sand (bali) following divine instructions received from Lord Jagannath in her dreams. The location becomes a focal point during Rath Yatra, where countless devotees assemble to observe the deities' arrival at Gundicha Temple," said culture enthusiast Prasanna Rath.
Devotees consider Saradha Bali highly sacred, with many devotional songs dedicated to it. They often collect a small amount of sand from this holy site as a blessing from Lord Jagannath.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
35 minutes ago
- Time of India
Students take part in Bhel Pani paddy cultivation event
Madikeri: Students from various colleges in Kodagu district participated in a muddy Bhel Pani paddy cultivation activity, organised by the Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy in partnership with the Connecting Kodavas organisation. The event took place at a private farmland in Madikeri taluk, drawing hundreds of enthusiastic participants. Connecting Kodavas organisation conducts the Bhel Pani initiative annually during the monsoon to encourage agricultural practices among youth and safeguard paddy fields in the district. This year's collaboration with the Karnataka Sahitya Academy saw participation from students of Murnad PU College, Jnana Jyothi College, Kodagu Vidyalaya, and Maruti Schools. Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy president AC Mahesh Nachaiah launched the event, emphasising the importance of preserving agricultural lands. Kodagu is an agricultural district, and we rely on agriculture. In that regard, agricultural land should be saved. More emphasis should be given to paddy cultivation. In the entire Indian continent, Kodagu is like a paradise, and farmers cultivate various crops, including paddy and coffee. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Esta nueva alarma con cámara es casi regalada en Estancia Viluco (ver precio) Verisure Más información Undo The main objective of this event is to introduce paddy cultivation to the next generation, said Mahesh. He further highlighted that agricultural practitioners experience self-satisfaction and valuable life lessons. "Agricultural land should be preserved. They should not be converted for any reason," he said. The event featured experienced agriculturists, including retired agricultural officer AC Girish, alongside farmers Ganesh Thimmaiah and Dhruv Devaiah, who shared insights about paddy cultivation techniques. Farmer Suraj Bopanna discussed the significance of incorporating modern technology in farming. The initiative provided students, typically confined to classrooms during the monsoon, an opportunity to experience hands-on paddy planting.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
U'khand schools start daily Gita lessons in morning assemblies
Dehradun: Govt schools across Uttarakhand began teaching Bhagwad Gita shlokas during morning assemblies from Tuesday under the National Education Policy 2020, following a review meeting in May that cleared the proposal to "familiarise students with Indian culture and knowledge traditions". Officials from the state education department said the practice aims to take learning beyond the classroom. "NEP clearly states that students must be introduced to Indian culture, heritage, knowledge systems, and traditional learnings. The teachings must go beyond the curriculum. The CM also directed that these ancient teachings be incorporated into our schooling system. In line with that, shlokas from the Bhagwad Gita have now been introduced in the morning assemblies in our schools. A few lessons will be shared daily," Dr Mukul Kumar Sati, director, secondary education, said. While Sati said Uttarakhand is the first state to implement this on-ground, some BJP-ruled states have made similar announcements. Gujarat introduced Bhagwad Gita classes from Classes VI to XII in 2022, incorporating shlokas in prayers and chapters into textbooks. Karnataka also announced plans to add Gita teachings under moral science after expert consultations during the 2022-23 academic session. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Providers are furious: Internet access without a subscription! Techno Mag Learn More Undo Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh followed suit, announcing they will introduce it for higher classes. Sati said the initiative will gradually be expanded to the curriculum, with new textbooks being introduced this session. Education minister Dhan Singh Rawat also supported integrating traditional Indian knowledge systems into formal education. "The Indian knowledge system is one of the oldest in the world. It will help with the moral, spiritual, and physical development of students and discipline them while creating scientific curiosity as well," he said. In instructions sent to chief education officers across Uttarakhand, Sati said that Gita should be seen not just as a religious text, but as a reflection of human values and scientific reasoning. "These teachings can be a stepping stone to students becoming great citizens. In every assembly, one shloka with its meaning should be taught along with its scientific viewpoint." He added, "There should be a 'weekly shloka' that should be discussed at the end of the week. The significance of these teachings in day-to-day life should also be taught to the students. At every step, we must ensure the character development, self-control, and scientific mindset of our students with these teachings," the order read.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
India tells Bangladesh to reconsider demolition of Satyajit Ray's ancestral home; offers support for repair
. NEW DELHI: A house in Bangladesh linked to three generations of Bengal's most respected literary and cultural figures is being demolished, drawing sharp concern from the Indian government. The building in question is the ancestral home of renowned children's author and publisher Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury, located in Mymensingh city. Upendrakishore was also the father of poet Sukumar Ray and grandfather of legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray . The property currently owned by the government of Bangladesh. The ministry of external affairs (MEA) expressed regret over the demolition, noting that the house is a landmark tied closely to the Bangla cultural renaissance. It said the building could instead be restored and converted into a literature museum celebrating shared heritage. The ministry also said that the Government of India would be ready to offer support if such a plan is considered. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee also raised concern, saying the demolition of such a memory-filled place was 'heartbreaking'. She called upon both the governments of Bangladesh and India to take steps to preserve the historic site, describing the Ray family as 'torchbearers' of Bengal's cultural legacy. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Glasgow: If You Were Born Between 1945-1974 You Could Be Eligible For This British Seniors Read More Undo 'I learnt from media reports that the memory-entwined ancestral house of renowned writer-editor Upendrakishore Roychowdhury in Bangladesh's Mymensingh city is being demolished. The reports say that the demolition process had already begun. This is heartbreaking news. The Ray family is one of the most prominent torchbearers of Bengal's culture," Banerjee wrote on X. The house had fallen into disrepair and had been left unused for nearly a decade. It previously housed the Mymensingh Shishu Academy but was later abandoned. A Bangladeshi official told local media that the new plan involves constructing a semi-concrete building at the site to resume the academy's operations.
