The Jagannath Rath Yatra is one of the oldest and most vibrant chariot festivals dedicated to Lord Jagannath, (an incarnation of Lord Krishna), his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra. Celebrated annually in Puri, Odisha this grand event attracts millions of devotees from all across the globe. It is when the Lord Jagannath himself steps out of the temple along with his siblings to bless all those who are unable to visit him for his darshan.
In this blog, we will learn more about this glorious festival and its significance.
Why is Rath Yatra Celebrated?
Rath Yatra happens in June or July and marks the annual journey of Lord Jagannath and his siblings from their temple to the Gundicha Temple, their birthplace, situated a few kilometers away from Jagannath temple.
During the festival, the deities leave their sanctum in the Jagannath Temple and are placed on massive chariots, which are then pulled through the streets by thousands of devotees.
According to one popular legend, the festival celebrates Lord Jagannath's visit to Gundicha, who happens to be the queen of Indradyumna, the king who built the Jagannath temple. While on their way, the chariot of Lord Jagannath stops by the crematorium of Salabega, an ardent Muslim devotee. This is to pay homage to his unwavering faith and devotion towards Lord Jagannath.
After a seven-day stay at the Gundicha temple, the deities finally return to their abode. On their way back, they stop by the Mausi Maa Temple where they are offered Poda Pitha, a type of traditional pancake made using fermented rice, black gram, grated coconut, and jaggery.
This event of bringing the gods out of the temple and into the streets symbolizes breaking the barriers between the divine and the common people. It signifies that the gods are not confined to the temple but are accessible to everyone, regardless of their caste, creed, or social status.
About the Three Types of Chariots
The chariots of Rath Yatra are not only grand in size but also rich in symbolism and tradition. Each chariot is crafted meticulously every year, following age-old customs that have been passed down through generations. Let’s take a closer look at these three magnificent chariots:
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1. Nandighosa (The Chariot of Lord Jagannath)
Nandighosa, the chariot of Lord Jagannath, is the largest and most majestic of the three. Standing at approximately 45 feet high, it has 16 wheels, each about 7 feet in diameter. The chariot is decorated in vibrant red and yellow, colors that are generally associated with Lord Vishnu.
Numerous skilled artisans and carpenters begin the construction of Nandighosa months in advance. Using wood from specific trees, each piece is intricately crafted with great precision and care.
2. Taladhwaja (The Chariot of Balabhadra)
Taladhwaja, the chariot of Lord Balabhadra, stands a little smaller than Nandighosa at around 44 feet high and has 14 wheels. This chariot is mainly decorated in green and red, colors that signify fertility and valor.
Like Nandighosa, Taladhwaja's construction begins well in advance. The wood used comes from specific trees, and each piece is carved with care. Rituals and ceremonies mark every stage of its construction.
The green and red canopy, made of cloth layers, creates a striking visual appeal.
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3. Darpadalana (The Chariot of Subhadra)
Darpadalana, also known as Devadalana, is the chariot of Goddess Subhadra. It is the smallest of the three, standing at about 43 feet high with 12 wheels, each around 7 feet in diameter. The chariot is decorated mainly in black and red, colors that signify power and protection.
Darpadalana represents Goddess Subhadra's protective nature. The black color symbolizes her power to ward off evil, while the red signifies her strength and energy. The chariot depicts her role as a guardian and nurturer.
Rituals Observed During Rath Yatra
The Rath Yatra ceremony starts with performing the morning rituals of Mangal Alati, Abakash, and Khechdi Bhog on the 2nd day of Ashadh Shukla. Hereafter, the Managalarpana ritual is performed where the four deities come in a ceremonial procession to board their respective chariots.
1. Chhera Panhara
After the deities board their chariots, the Chhera Panhara ritual is performed. For this, the Gajapati King of Puri, who is considered the first servitor of Lord Jagannath is brought in a ceremonial procession from the Shreenahara (the King’s palace). He then offers camphor aarti in a golden diya (lamp). Following this, the king sweeps the chariots with a golden broom and sprinkles sandalwood water.
2. Pulling the Chariots
The most exhilarating part of Rath Yatra is the pulling of the chariots.
After the chhera panhara ceremony, each chariot is tied with four wooden horse idols whereafter the kahalia servitor blows the trumpet to mark the beginning of the Yatra.
After the deities are ready to leave, the chariots are then pulled through the streets by thousands of devotees using thick ropes. You can hear chants, music, and the joyous cries of devotees filled with joy and enthusiasm.
The chariots are pulled towards the Gundicha Temple, which is about 3 kilometers away, from the Lord Jagannath temple. Upon reaching the Gundicha temple, the deities are graciously taken inside to the Simhasana. During their seven-day stay at the temple, various rituals and festivities take place, celebrating the deities' visit.
3. Hera Panchami
In the midst of the deities’ stay at Gundicha Temple, another interesting ritual, Hera Panchami, is observed on the fifth day after Rath Yatra, in the bright fortnight of Ashadha.
During Rath Yatra, Lord Jagannath goes out with his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra, along with his divine weapon Sudarshana, leaving his wife, Mahalaxmi, behind. Feeling upset, Goddess Lakshmi goes to the Gundicha Temple in a palanquin like Subarna Mahalaxmi, demanding that Lord Jagannath return soon. To calm her down, he gives her a garland of consent (agyan mala).
When the Goddess gets angry, the sevakas close the main door of the Gundicha Temple. After receiving the garland, Mahalaxmi returns to the main temple through the Nakachana gate. In a unique part of the ritual, the Goddess instructs one of her attendants to damage a part of the Nandighosa chariot. She then hides behind a tamarind tree outside the Gundicha Temple before secretly returning to her home temple through Hera Gohri Lane.
4. Bahuda Yatra
After nine days, it’s time for the deities to return to their original abode. This return journey is known as Bahuda Yatra or Dakshinabhimukhi Yatra. The chariots are again pulled back to the Jagannath Temple by the devotees with the same fervor and enthusiasm.
On their way back, the chariots stop at the Mausi Maa Temple, dedicated to Goddess Ardhasini. Here, the deities are offered Poda Pitha, a special type of pancake, which is a traditional offering.
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5. Niladri Bije
Niladri Bije is the last event of the Shree Jagannath Yatra. On the 13th day of the fortnight of Ashadha, the four deities return back to their throne in a huge grand ceremonial procession.
The return journey is a joyous occasion, symbolizing the completion of the divine visit and the return of the gods to their home. Shree Jagannath Yatra is one of the largest religious festivals in the world which is being celebrated for decades now.
Significance & Celebration of Rath Yatra Across the World
While the true essence of Jagannath Yatra lies in Puri, the festival is celebrated enthusiastically in many parts of India and the world. In cities like Ahmedabad, Kolkata, and Jaipur, Rath Yatra draws large crowds and elaborate processions. Internationally, the festival is celebrated in countries like the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia, thanks to the efforts of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).
Rath Yatra’s global celebrations show its universal appeal. It brings people from different backgrounds together, which fosters a sense of community and shared spirituality.
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Conclusion
Rath Yatra is more than just a festival; it's a celebration of faith, tradition, and humanity. The grand procession, the beautifully decorated chariots, the devotion of the people, and the vibrant rituals create an experience that's both spiritual and spectacular.
So, if you ever find yourself in Puri during June or July, don’t miss the Rath Yatra. It’s a journey that goes beyond the physical, bringing you closer to the divine and offering a deep sense of connection and joy.
