The Divine Journey of Lokanath Mishra

The Divine Journey of Lokanath Mishra

On the sacred land of Puri, in the divine village of Kasi Jaganath Pur—where every breeze carries the fragrance of Lord Jagannath’s glory—a blessed soul took birth on January 6, 1956: Shri Lokanath Mishra. His life, from its very first breath, was woven with the threads of spirituality, culture, and selfless service to Prabhu Jagannath, the Supreme Lord of the Universe.

From a tender age, he was nurtured in the holy atmosphere of his ancestral home, guided by the luminous example of his revered father, Pandita Shri Babaji Mishra. His father not only embodied devotion but also instilled in him the eternal values of truth, justice, and dharma. With such a foundation, destiny naturally guided young Lokanath toward a life of both worldly responsibility and spiritual commitment.

Service at Mukti Mandap

In 1972, while still very young, he began his lifelong association with the Mukti Mandap Pandit Sabha of Shri Jagannath Temple, Puri—a seat of profound spiritual and cultural authority. As an executive member for over three decades (1972–2005), he humbly offered his services at the lotus feet of the Lord. Through this role, he became not only a custodian of sacred traditions but also a living instrument of Jagannath’s will.

Student, Leader, and Writer

During his student days, Lokanath Mishra’s energy and talents shone in many directions. He emerged as a student leader, freelance journalist, dramatist, columnist, and social worker. He held key leadership roles as:
• General Secretary of Puri Kumar Utsav Samiti and Shrikshetra Seva Sangh
• President of Nirjhara Yuba Prasad (an all-Odisha youth organization)
• Editor of Samalochaka, a widely respected fortnightly newspaper

Even in his youth, he worked tirelessly to unite culture, literature, and social service.

Professional Journey in Service of the Nation

Academically accomplished, he earned an M.A. and LL.B., then joined the Central Excise and Customs Department, later entering the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) through promotion. His career was marked by dedication, sincerity, and integrity.

In his official duties, he not only ensured the collection of excise, customs duties, and service taxes but also safeguarded the nation against tax evasion. His sense of duty extended further during his deputation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), where he served the nation with distinction. Alongside, he nurtured young minds as a guest lecturer at Ravenshaw College, Cuttack, blending scholarship with humility.

Leadership in Service Associations

Lokanath Mishra’s leadership was deeply felt in the service community. He rose to serve as:
• General Secretary of Central Excise Executive Officers Association of Odisha
• General Secretary of Central Excise Gazetted Executive Officers Association of Odisha
• All-India President of Central Excise & Customs Gazetted Executive Officers Association
• Secretary General of IRS (Indirect Taxes) Officers Association
• Convener of Joint Action Committee of CBIC Associations

Even after retirement, his mission of service continued. He became Secretary General of the All-India Pensioners’ Association of CBIC, and now guides it as Chief Adviser, while also serving as an adviser to the All-India CGHS Beneficiaries Association. In every position, his motive was not rank or recognition, but the higher purpose of serving society as a humble offering to the Lord.

Literary and Spiritual Contributions

Beyond his professional journey, Lokanath Mishra’s deepest joy has always been found in literature, spirituality, and culture. With a pen dipped in devotion, he has authored nearly 1,000 articles on literature, philosophy, spirituality, and above all, the Jagannath culture, many of which are published in UniverseHeaven.

He is not only a writer but also a researcher, motivational speaker, and cultural ambassador of Jagannath consciousness. His lectures and presentations have taken him across India and abroad—USA, UK, Nepal, Sri Lanka—wherever he went, he carried the sacred fragrance of Nilachala Dham. His mission has always been clear: to awaken devotion to Jagannath, to preserve dharma, and to strengthen the cultural roots of Hindus living abroad.

A Life of Divine Purpose

The life of Lokanath Mishra is not simply the story of a man, but of a devotee chosen by destiny to harmonize worldly responsibilities with spiritual purpose. He shows that service to society, pursuit of knowledge, and devotion to the Lord are not separate paths but converging rivers flowing into the ocean of divine fulfillment.

Even today, as an advocate, tax consultant, guide, writer, and speaker, he continues to serve with intellect illuminated by devotion. His heart remains fully surrendered at the lotus feet of Lord Jagannath.

His journey is a reminder that true greatness lies not in power, position, or wealth, but in living as a servant of the Lord and a messenger of His culture. Through his life, Lokanath Mishra inspires generations to seek the eternal shelter of Jagannath—the Lord of the Universe—whose mercy is the supreme treasure of existence.

ମାଟିର ସୁଗନ୍ଧ – ୨