Karmabai.

Karmabai or Bhakt Shiromani Karma Bai, a revered 17th-century devotee of Lord Krishna. 

Birth & Origin: Born on 20 August 1615 in Kalwa village, Nagaur district, Rajasthan, into the Jat family of Jeevanram Dudi and Ratni Devi .

Known for her unwavering faith in Krishna from childhood—once she prepared khichdi (a rice‑lentil dish) and, taking her father’s instruction literally, waited for Krishna to “eat” before she would .

“Moved by her sincerity... Lord Krishna is said to have appeared before her and consumed the khichdi” .

Journey to Puri: Invited to Puri and became part of the Jagannath tradition, where she ultimately spent her life and is commemorated during the annual Rath Yatra (chariot festival) .

Miracles & Recognition: Widely celebrated for her innocent devotion, Karmabai inspired stories across Rajasthan and Odisha. Accounts say the Jagannath chariot halts by her samadhi (memorial shrine) during Rath Yatra, signifying divine respect .

Legendary Incidents

Khichdi Miracle: As a young girl (~13), she offered khichdi to Krishna, refusing to eat until He accepted—the deity manifested and consumed it, witnessed again at her father’s request .

Departure to Vrindavan: Overwhelmed by ritualism and worldly expectations after marriage, she fled one night, even hiding inside a camel's carcass to avoid capture, later traveling to Vrindavan and finally settling in Puri .

Undying Devotion: In Vrindavan, she devoted herself completely to Krishna, often living amidst wild forests, chanting, and meditation. Even when confronted by her father, she remained steadfast and became a spiritual guide to him .

Legacy & Veneration

Samadhi in Puri: Her memorial shrine is visited during the Rath Yatra, and it's said the Lord's chariot stops nearby—an ode to her deep devotion .

Inspiring Figure: Celebrated in folk songs and biographies (e.g., Bhaktavijaya), her life symbolizes pure, childlike faith and the primacy of devotion over ritual .

Cultural Memory: Numerous texts, pilgrim accounts, and local lore across Rajasthan and Vrindavan chronicle her intense renunciation, unwavering faith, and spiritual courage .

Why She Matter

Karmabai’s life highlights the transformative power of innocent faith—not bound by ritual, title, or status. Her story resonates especially with those who value heartfelt devotion over formal observance. Paths from rural Rajasthan to the sacred shrines of Vrindavan and Puri—her journey bridges geography and sentiment, preaching that pure love of the divine transcends all boundaries.

Here are deeper insights into Karmabai's devotional legacy—through her songs, bhog tradition, and the sacred places associated with her in Puri:

Poetry & Songs

In 1989, Rajasthani singer Jugalkishore Tilak Raj released an album titled Karmabai, featuring devotional tracks like “Jimo Jimo Mhara Madan Gopal” that celebrate her unwavering love for Krishna .

Other collections, such as Karma Bai Ke Bhajan by Ram Nivas Rav and Khushbu Vaishnav’s “karma bai ro khichdalo,” also pay tribute to her jivvan‑bhakti (life‑devotion) through soulful melodies .

Traditional folk-styled video tributes like “Karma Bai Ro Khichdo” feature Rajasthani storytelling and song, dramatizing her daily spiritual offering .

One popular devotional video dramatizes her leela of feeding Krishna in Puri—often referred to as “Jagannath leela”—underscoring her intimate, maternal bond with the deity .

This YouTube track is a heartfelt musical retelling of her story, perfect for immersing yourself in her devotional world.

The Khichdi Tradition at Jagannath Temple

Karmabai’s simple khichdi offering has become a living ritual: every morning during bhog preparations, an earthen pot called Baihandi is used—a direct homage to her legacy .

Legend says her devotion was so powerful that even after her passing, Lord Jagannath paused his Rath Yatra chariot at her samadhi—still honored today .

Devotees recount how an element of her bhakti continues: before her offering tradition ended, Lord Jagannath himself “whispered” through a priest requesting food—signifying divine intimacy .

Pilgrimage Sites in & around Puri

1. Karmabai Ka Mandir & Samadhi (Shrine)

Located within the Jagannath Temple precincts, her shrine is an active pilgrimage site especially during the Rath Yatra. The chariot halts here in tribute to her sacred presence .

2. Baihandi Kitchen in Jagannath Temple

This historic kitchen area houses the familiar earthen pot used for the khichdi offering, sustaining Karmabai’s spiritual tradition every morning .

3. Associated Temples near Puri

While visiting Puri, pilgrims often extend their journey to nearby sacred sites such as:

Alarnatha Mandira (in Brahmagiri) during Jagannath’s Anavasara period  

Chhatia Bata Temple near Cuttack, revered for Kalki‑prophecies  

Markandeshwar Temple and Swargadwara, both historically and ritually tied to the Jagannath complex .

Don't Miss During Rath Yatra

The Rath Yatra occurs June 27, 2025, in Puri .

The official Shree Jagannatha Dham app provides schedules, maps, and real‑time chariot updates—ideal for pilgrims wanting to witness the chariot's pause at Karmabai’s shrine .

She is equated to meera Bai or even more.