The Jagannath Rath Yatra is not only a significant event in Odisha but all around India. For those who worship Lord Krishna, this is one of the most significant celebrations of the year.
After cleaning the idols and making their prayers, worshippers during this event transport the statues of the three deities, Lord Krishna and his two siblings, from the Jagannath temple to the Gundicha shrine. The Hindu faithful hold the Jagannath Rath Yatra in the highest regard because of its significance in their religion. It occurs in Puri in the summer, around June or July.
Significance of the Ratha Yatra
In Hindu mythology, gods cannot be relocated after they have been installed. Only during the Jagannath Yatra are the Hindu gods permitted to journey from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, where they spend a few days. Every one of the three chariots has a unique moniker.
Nandighosh is the name given to Lord Jagannath’s chariot, although Taladhwaja and Darpadalana are the names given to Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra’s chariots. Devotees pull these chariots, claiming that whoever touches the rope of Lord Jagannath’s chariot will be forgiven for any crimes they have ever committed.
The rath yatra is still held in many cities throughout India today. On the other hand, the Puri Rath Yatra is a very important religious event. It is a sign of peace, harmony, and fraternity. People gather to commemorate the momentous occasion by collectively pulling the Ratha. According to the Hindu religion, the Jagannath temple is one of the four Dham and a pilgrimage destination for all practicing Hindus.
The Rituals That Take Place During The Jagannath Rath Yatra
One of the few Indian festivals, the Ratha Yatra in Odisha is notable for its distinctive custom of bringing the presiding deities. Each of the three rathas has its special qualities. The rathas vary in size and hue; most have many wheels. The chariot that Jagannatha travels on is decorated with bright red and yellow fabric and has 16 wheels. Balabhadra’s ratha has 14 wheels and is covered in crimson and green fabric. The Ratha that Subhadra rides on is decked out in red and black garments and has 12 wheels.
Once Deul Purohit completes the Ratha puja on the day of Sri Gundicha, the Pahandi procession sets out from the Jagannath temple’s sanctuary to the Rathas. Gajapati Maharaja does the sweeping (Chhera) and cleaning (Pahamra) with a golden broom dusted with sandalwood powder and water. After Chhera Pahamra, the rathas were dragged by thousands of worshippers three kilometers to the Gundicha Temple, where they remained for nine days. The three chariots returned from the Mausi Maa Temple with a dish of boiling maize bhog.
The Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra Schedule and Location
In 2024, Jagannath Yatra Puri is set to take place on July 07th, which is the second day of the bright fortnight of the Hindu month of Ashadha.
One of the major religious gatherings, Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra, lasts for 11 days. They don’t send worshippers to the Lord; rather, the Lord emerges from his holy place to bestow blessings upon the faithful.
Beginning on the Dwitiya tithi of the Ashadha Shukla Paksha, this yearly chariot celebration lasts for the following 11 days. The spectacular Puri festival kicks off Odisha’s Jagannath Yatra.
The Jagannath Rath Yatra: Some Interesting Facts
- Lord Jagannath rides about on his chariot, the Nandighosa, which is 45 feet in height and has 16 wheels. Taladhwaja, the chariot of Lord Balabhadra, is 45.8 feet tall and has 14 wheels. Subhadra rides on the 12-wheeled, 44.6-foot-tall chariot known as Devadalana.
- At the Snana Purnima ritual, 108 buckets of water wash the three deities that will ride on the sacred chariot.
- Idols are considered to be sick. Thus they are quarantined as part of a separate ritual called Ansara before the main parade.
- Only during the annual Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra celebration can non-Hindu worshippers get a glimpse of the temple’s deities.
- Every year, before Lord Jagannath’s chariot, makes a one-week stop at the Gundicha Temple, the temple is cleansed in preparation.
Main Attractions of the Jagannath Rath Yatra
Rath Festival at the Jagannath Mandir, Many people in India look forward to the Puri festival every year. Many worshippers travel great distances to attend, hoping to get divine intervention from the Holy Trinity of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balbhadra, and Lady Subhadra. It is a very unusual display of divine favour when the gods leave their temples to visit with and bless their followers. There are some noteworthy events during Jagannath Rath Yatra.
1. Chhera Pahanra
This ceremony is lavish and full of vivid colours. At this ceremony, a messenger reports the whereabouts of the gods as they ride by in their chariots to the King of Puri. The young, handsome monarch, dressed in white, emerges from the palace, seated on a palanquin made of silver.
After leaving the palanquins, he mounts each chariot in turn. After praying to the god, he cleans the chariot platforms with a golden broom and sprinkles the surface with scented water and flowers.
2. Brahma Paribartan
As its name suggests, reincarnation is central to the Jagannath Rath Yatra. To represent this, the temple’s old idols are torn down, and new ones are placed. This entire operation is carried out in complete secrecy. The priest who sings and conducts the ceremony does so with his eyes covered.
Conclusion
Odias have celebrated the Rath Yatra for almost 500 years, and the occasion is considered a sacred observance. When the inaugural celebration was conducted, King Purushottam Deva was the king of the state. There is great fanfare and festivity around the Jagannath Rath Yatra celebration. The city of Puri in India hosts a yearly pilgrimage called the Jagannath Rath Yatra. The Puri Rath Yatra is a revered ancient celebration when millions of worshippers gather to honour Lord Jagannath.
Each year, devotees are blessed by bringing statues of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and their sister Subadra from the Jagannath Temple for this joyous celebration. Several events were held throughout India, in addition to the main one in the beautiful city of Puri in Odisha. The celebration of the Ratha Yatra is gaining recognition all over the globe. The availability of Lord Krishna sculptures and statues for purchase in stores and on the Internet further facilitates the performance of Ratha puja ceremonies in private homes.
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