Dr. Ajay Patanayak, a doctor by profession doesnt believe in the existing of God. His wife Basanti having no child has immense faith in God. She is also deeply attached to his brother in law Bijay. Laxmi, a neighbor has love interest with Bijay. Bijay visits Puris Sri Lokanath Temple for blessing with a hope to his sister in law gets a son. Basanti becomes pregnant and delivers a son. The happy family named the child as Lokanath after the deity. As Lokanath grows up, Bijay feels neglected by the family and leaves the house. Bijay becomes a tutor in Jaipur. In the meanwhile his love interest Laxmi marries to a Zamindar named Surya of Puri. Three year elapse, Basanti and his husband in Puri to offer oblation to Lord Sri Lokanath but they are however prevented from visiting the temple by a storm. The child Lokanath is bitten by a snake and his body is taken to cremation ground.

Sarojini and Nilambar Roy were in love. But eventually Nilambar refused to marry Sarojini and radiated malicious rumours in her name. Sarojini commit suicide. Sarojini's elder brother Barada Pattanaik could not take his sister's tragic death easily. Decades later, in order to restore peace between the family, Siddharth Ray, the elder son of Nilambar Ray asks for Barada Pattanaik's niece Shaila's hand for his younger brother Partha. Shaila becomes Ray family's daughter in law at the age of twelve. Barada Pattanaik still seeks revenge and hence concocts plans to destroy the Ray Family.

A man from lower social background qualifies and gets an administration job and to match his higher social occupation, he leaves his family, friends, and fiance. But gradually he understands his mistake and returns for his people. Finally he finds his wrong decision for the mining in his village has lead to the destruction and down fall of his people and everyone lives the village and him behind alone.

1956 film from India

The story is about Lord Jagannath's existence at Nila Parvata in the form of Nilamadhav.

Sadhana was based on the novel ‘Chhinapatra’ by Ashapoorna Devi. The film was adjudged as 2nd Best Regional Film (Odia) and received President’s Silver Medal. Actor Sarat Pujari was co-producer of Sadhana. He also written dialogues under the pseudo name Shiladitya, assisted by Minati Mishra.

National Film Awards - Certificate of Merit for best Odia film. Made with a budget of Rs. 1,05,000.