Bhubaneswar: The much-awaited Joranda Mela kicked off today and will continue till February 7 at Joranda’s Mahima Gadi in Dhenkanal district.
According to reports, the mela commemorates the salvation of Mahima Gosain, the leader of the spiritual movement called Mahima Dharma, at the Sunya Mandir temple, dedicated to the shapeless lord, Sunya Bramha. Saints and devotees pay tribute at various shrines, including Gadi Mandir, Dhuni Mandir, and Ghanta Mandir, making Joranda Mela a unique and unforgettable experience.
Inside the Joranda temple, no image worship is performed. Instead, a perpetual flame, ‘Akhanda Dhuni’, ignited by Mahima Gosain, burns continuously. The mela’s main attraction is the ‘Yagna Kund’ havan, where thousands of litres of ghee are offered. Devotees chant ‘Alekh Brahma’ in unison, praying for global peace and prosperity.
According to records, a spiritual revolution took shape in the mid-19th century, giving birth to Mahima Dharma. Mahima Swami, also known as Mahima Gosain, was the leader of the spiritual movement called Mahima Dharma. He was a mysterious and wise person who inspired many people with his teachings. As the founder of the movement, Mahima Gosain’s spiritual presence and authority attracted many followers seeking enlightenment and growth.
The Mahima Dharma movement was characterized by its emphasis on the worship of a single, formless deity, known as ‘Alekh’, or the ‘Invisible One’. Mahima Swami’s teachings also stressed the importance of self-discipline, moral integrity, and compassion, which became the hallmarks of the Mahima Dharma faith.
It is believed that Gosain first appeared in Puri in 1826. Before being settled in Puri, Gosain spent the formative years of his life in the majestic Himalayas, where he immersed himself in intense spiritual pursuits. In 1838, Mahima Gosain’s spiritual quest took him to Kapilas, Dhenkanal, where he spent 24 remarkable years in intense meditation, clad in Kumbhi tree bark, renouncing worldly ties. On Magha’s bright 14th day, he founded the Mahima cult, ushering in a new spiritual era.
Meanwhile, the district administration has made thorough security and traffic arrangements ahead of Chief Minister’s visit to Joranda on Feb 1, expecting a huge gathering of devotees.
