"RATH YATRA - The Grand Chariot Festival of Universe."

Rath Yatra it’s not just a festival; it's an emotion of Lord Jagannath devotees all over the world, it is the culture of the ancient India and also it is the festival of the main Leela Land of the Lord Jagannath. This is the Hindu festival celebrated every year where millions of devotees come from outside or abroad to avail the blessings of? Rath Yatra.

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History of Rath Yatra

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Rath Yatra also known as? Ratha Jatra or Chariot festival. India’s biggest religious festival- The Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra. An annual ceremonial procession of Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Balabhadra, and younger sister Subhadra. From their home the triad went on an annual visit to their aunt’s home i.e. Gundicha Temple.

The history of this biggest festival was written in updated Hindu texts known as the ‘Puranas’ believed to be written 1000 years ago.

It is celebrated each year on the second day of the Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Asadh and also the third month of? Hindu Lunar Calendar .

The epicenter of this festival is the world’s famous Jagannath Puri Temple which is situated in the pious city- Puri, Odisha which is also known by the names of Conch region or Purushottam Kshetra or Shri Kshetra. In fact, this temple is considered to be one of the four major Hindu shrines called the “Char Dham”.

There is a strong belief that Lord Krishna took the human form on the Earth in ‘Dwapara Yuga’. The story behind this oldest and grandest festival begins with Krishna’s cremation. While his elder brother Balram experienced deep sadness and made an attempt to down himself into the ocean with Krishna’s body. One day the king Indradyuma of Central India- "Avanti" envisioned a floating part of the body of Lord Krishna in the shores of Puri. This lead to the making of the statues of? Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra. On finding Krishna’s ashes, the king starts putting his efforts to carve the statues from wood none of the architect could carve the wood then Lord Vishwakarma appeared as an old carpenter to make the statues. But he agreed to do the job with a condition that nobody would disturb him during the preparation of statues of the three deities. One day when no sound came from the room the king’s wife insisted the king to open the door and check whether the old carpenter is alive or died. However due to impatience, the king opened the door and Lord Vishwakarma vanished. The room where statues of the deities were made known as “The Gundicha Temple/ Mausi Maa Temple”. After the installation of the images of Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra and Sudarshana the king celebrated the consecration of the site with the deities Vishnu and Vishwakarma, the divine artisan.

Significance of? Rath Yatra

The Jagannath Rath Yatra is also called Cart Festival, Gundicha Yatra, Ghosha Yatra, Dasavatar and Navadina Yatra. It is the most auspicious, sacred and important occasion of Puri Temple. ‘Rath’ means ‘Chariot’ and ‘Yatra’ means ‘Journey’ of the Lord Jagannath with their siblings. The whole procession is accompanied by the sounds of chants and conchs.

The chariot is prepared from selected Neem Trees. Fresh and auspicious trees are identified for the wood of the chariot, in which the nails etc., stopped and no metal is used in the making of chariot.

It is said that the devotees who get the privilege of pulling chariot of Rath Yatra are believed to be very fortunate. According to the mythological theory, the person pulling the chariot gets ultimate salvation- "Moksha".

Many also believe that on this day Lord Jagannath himself? tour the city and comes among the people. Since he is black in colour, Lord Jagannath’s local name is ‘Kaliya’ as he is a god and a friend of his devotees. The idols of? Lord Jagannath and Balabhadra are made to swing in a forward and backward direction in a manner called ‘Pahandi’.The king of Puri also decorates the chariot with flowers with his hands. The ground is also cleaned, and sandalwood is sprinkled on it. This ceremony signifies that everyone is equal in the eyes of the Lord and the whole procession indicates that there is no discrimination among anybody present in this world.

• Unity and Equality- The festival emphasizes social harmony and equality, as people from all walks of life come together to pull the chariots, irrespective of caste, creed, or gender. This act signifies the unity and inclusiveness inherent in Hindu philosophy.
• Global Appeal- Beyond India, Rath Yatra is celebrated by Indian communities worldwide, maintaining cultural ties and fostering a sense of identity and belonging among the diaspora.

Why do we celebrate Rath Yatra

It is believed that in the rainy season Lord Jagannath travelled on a grand chariot to spend vacation in his aunt’s home with his siblings. There is an old known story behind this journey is that Lord Jagannath born on the day of ‘Jyestha Purnima’. On that day the three deities were taken off to the ‘Ratnasinhasan’ and taken to the bathing pavilion of the Lord Jagannath. Then three of the deities had their great royal bath with 108 Kalasha, after that the deities fallen sick and fever due to which they had to stay in a specific place called as ‘Ansara Ghar’ (Quarantine Home). After 15 days of long stay Lord Jagannath became healthy and comes out of this place to give ‘Darshan’ to his devotees and the tour began. After that the holy ritual of? "Chera Pahara" is performed on the day of procession by the Royal Successors of Odisha. Hordes of locals and devotees can be seen around the temple premises during the performing ‘Chera Pahara’.???

Then the triad ride in a chariot, the first chariot belongs to Balabhadra it has 14 wheels and is called ‘Taladhwaja’ and the second chariot belongs to Lord Jagannath which has 16 wheels and is called ‘Nandighosha’ and the third chariot has 12 wheels and is called ‘Devadalan/ Darpadalan’. The third belongs to Subhadra. The three chariots are of different colours and sizes.

The three deities spend nine days in the Gundicha Temple and after that get return to their home temple. The return journey is known as ‘Bahuda Jatra’. After that they adorn with new clothes and gold ornaments. The event is called ‘Suna Besha’ and the deities were placed in the ‘Singhadwara’.

The atmosphere is full of joy and immense devotion in the eve of Rath Yatra.