Lakhman Pradhan grew up in a devout Hindu family in Kandhamal, in the eastern Indian state of Odisha. His childhood was shaped by daily puja at the family shrine—usually a small altar adorned with images or idols of deities. Worship included offerings of flowers and fruits, incense, oil lamps (diyas), and sacred ash (vibhuti), accompanied by the chanting of mantras such. Evenings were marked by the lighting of lamps and prayers before dinner.
