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Jagannath Panjika - The Sacred Calendar of Puri

Learn about Jagannath Panjika, the official almanac of Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri, used for rituals, festivals, and auspicious timings.

January 6, 2024Odiapedia Team
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Jagannath Panjika — The Temple Calendar

Jagannath Panjika (ଜଗନ୍ନାଥ ପଞ୍ଜିକା) is the official almanac published by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, Puri. It is the most authoritative Hindu calendar followed across coastal Odisha and for all temple rituals.

Quick Facts

AspectDetails
PublisherShree Jagannath Temple Administration
LocationPuri, Odisha
LanguageOdia
Used ForTemple rituals, festival dates, muhurta
FollowsSuryasiddhanta calculations

What It Contains

Daily Panchanga

The Jagannath Panjika provides daily:

  • ତିଥି (Tithi) — Lunar day
  • ନକ୍ଷତ୍ର (Nakshatra) — Lunar constellation
  • ଯୋଗ (Yoga) — Auspicious/inauspicious period
  • କରଣ (Karana) — Half of a tithi
  • ରାହୁକାଳ (Rahu Kala) — Inauspicious time
  • ସୂର୍ଯ୍ୟୋଦୟ/ଅସ୍ତ — Sunrise/Sunset times

Temple-Specific Information

  • ରଥଯାତ୍ରା dates and schedules
  • ଏକାଦଶୀ fasting days
  • ସଙ୍କ୍ରାନ୍ତି dates
  • Temple seva timings
  • Mahaprasad availability

Festival Calendar

Complete dates for:

  • Snana Yatra
  • Rath Yatra
  • Bahuda Yatra
  • Suna Besha
  • Chandan Yatra
  • And all major Hindu festivals

Why Jagannath Panjika?

Temple Authority

The Jagannath Temple has maintained its own astronomical calculations for centuries. The gajapati (temple priests) use this panjika exclusively for:

  • Determining ritual timings
  • Setting festival dates
  • Calculating auspicious moments

Regional Importance

Jagannath Panjika is preferred in:

  • Puri district
  • Coastal Odisha (Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Balasore)
  • Odia communities worldwide

"When in doubt about any religious date in coastal Odisha, Jagannath Panjika is the final word."

Differences from Other Panjikas

AspectJagannath PanjikaOther Panjikas
AuthorityJagannath TempleVarious
CalculationsSuryasiddhantaMay vary
Festival datesTemple-specificRegional
Rath Yatra timingDefinitiveReference

How to Use

  1. Daily Reference — Check tithi, nakshatra for the day
  2. Festival Planning — Get accurate dates for festivals
  3. Muhurta — Find auspicious times for weddings, griha pravesh
  4. Ekadashi — Know fasting dates

Significance

The Jagannath Panjika represents:

  • Continuity — Centuries of astronomical tradition
  • Authority — Official temple sanction
  • Accuracy — Based on ancient Suryasiddhanta
  • Cultural identity — Symbol of Odia heritage

Related: Rath YatraBiraja PanjikaCalendar