Jaggannath Puri Rath Yatra

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Jaggannath Puri Rath Yatra
India
Jaggannath Puri Rath Yatra

When It Occurs

Annually Second Day of Shukla Paksha

Timeline

Days Passed (220)

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The Jagannath Rath Yatra, also known as the Gundicha Yatra or Festival of Chariots, is an ancient Hindu celebration dating back 600 years. This festival honors the divine expedition of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra and is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, revered as the Lord of the Universe.

Annually observed on the bright half of the lunar month of Ashadh (June–July), the Rath Yatra commemorates the pilgrimage of the deities from the 12th century Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, believed to be their aunt's residence.

Historical and Religious Significance

  • The Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra has been celebrated for centuries and is deeply rooted in the Vaishnava tradition. It is believed that the festival began in the 12th century, coinciding with the construction of the Jagannath Temple by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga dynasty.
  • The yatra symbolizes the annual journey of Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Balabhadra (his elder brother) and Subhadra (his sister), from their main temple in Puri to the Gundicha Temple, which is located about 2 kilometers away. This journey is said to commemorate a visit to their aunt's house.
  • Lord Jagannath is considered a form of Krishna or Vishnu, and the Rath Yatra represents his earthly journey, signifying his love for his devotees. It is also symbolic of the universal desire for liberation and salvation.

Date and Timing

  • The festival is celebrated every year on the second day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of Ashadha (June or July) according to the Hindu calendar.
  • The Yatra typically lasts for nine days, including the return journey of the deities to the Jagannath Temple, known as the Bahuda Yatra.

Rituals and Ceremonies

The Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra is a highly elaborate and ritualistic event. Some of the key rituals and ceremonies include:

  1. Chariot Construction: The three towering chariots, one for each deity, are specially constructed for the Yatra. These chariots are made from wood and follow traditional specifications. The chariots are built anew every year by a group of skilled artisans, who are considered to be highly blessed.

    • Lord Jagannath’s chariot is called Nandighosa and has 16 wheels, making it the largest of the three.
    • Lord Balabhadra’s chariot is called Taladhwaja, with 14 wheels.
    • Subhadra’s chariot is called Darpadalana or Padmadhwaja, with 12 wheels.
  2. Pahandi Bije: On the day of the Yatra, the deities are brought out of the temple in a grand procession, known as Pahandi. They are carried to their respective chariots amidst the chanting of hymns, music, and the blowing of conch shells. The entire atmosphere is electrifying as devotees eagerly await a glimpse of the deities.

  3. Chhera Pahara: One of the unique rituals of the Rath Yatra is the Chhera Pahara, where the King of Puri, also known as the Gajapati Maharaja, sweeps the chariots with a golden broom. This act symbolizes the humility of the king before the Lord, reinforcing the message that in front of God, all are equal.

  4. The Pulling of Chariots: After the rituals are completed, thousands of devotees pull the gigantic chariots through the streets of Puri towards the Gundicha Temple. The act of pulling the chariots is considered highly auspicious, as it is believed that it brings blessings from Lord Jagannath. The journey to Gundicha Temple takes an entire day.

  5. Stay at Gundicha Temple: The deities stay at the Gundicha Temple for seven days, during which various rituals and offerings are made. This period is seen as a time of communion between the deities and their devotees.

  6. Bahuda Yatra: After their stay at the Gundicha Temple, the deities return to the Jagannath Temple on the ninth day, a return journey known as Bahuda Yatra. During this time, the deities also visit the Mausi Maa Temple, where they are offered poda pitha, a special type of sweet cake made from rice and lentils.

Significance of the Deities and Their Journey

  • The three deities, Lord Jagannath (Krishna), Balabhadra (Balarama), and Subhadra represent a divine sibling trio. Their journey is interpreted by devotees as their wish to meet their devotees outside the temple, symbolizing the Lord's accessibility to everyone.
  • The fact that the Lord leaves his temple to meet people of all castes and communities is seen as a demonstration of inclusiveness and social harmony in Hinduism.
  • The Rath Yatra is also believed to signify Lord Jagannath’s yearly visit to his birthplace, Vrindavan (represented by the Gundicha Temple).

Global Celebration and Importance

  • While the main Rath Yatra takes place in Puri, smaller versions of the festival are celebrated in various parts of India and the world, especially in places with significant ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) influence.
  • Cities such as Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, and even New York, London, and Singapore host Rath Yatras that attract thousands of devotees. The global expansion of the festival underscores the universal appeal of Lord Jagannath.

Cultural Impact

  • The Rath Yatra is more than just a religious event; it is a significant cultural celebration as well. Puri, Odisha, is transformed into a sea of colors, with people from all walks of life participating in the celebrations.
  • Traditional Odissi music and dance performances are common during the festival, adding to the cultural richness of the event.
  • Food plays an important role during Rath Yatra, with the famous Mahaprasad (holy offering) from the Jagannath Temple being distributed to devotees. Special dishes like Khichdi, Dalma, and various sweets are prepared and shared.

Rath Yatra During the COVID-19 Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Rath Yatra of 2020 and 2021 witnessed significant changes. For the first time in history, the festival was held without public participation due to health concerns, and only temple servitors were allowed to pull the chariots. Despite the restrictions, the spirit of the festival remained alive through live broadcasts and virtual participation by devotees around the world.

Conclusion

The Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra is not only a grand religious festival but also a symbol of unity, equality, and devotion. Its cultural, historical, and spiritual significance makes it one of the most important celebrations in India, drawing millions of devotees and pilgrims every year to the city of Puri. The festival fosters a sense of community and reverence, making it a cherished event for Hindus and followers of Lord Jagannath around the world.