On the occasion of the Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra, which takes place this year on July 7, thousands of devotees reach Puri, Odisha, hoping to catch a glimpse of Lord Jagannath, whose idol is removed from the Jagannath temple for the purpose of Puri Rath Yatra.
The holy festival, Odisha Puri Rath Yatra, is held annually on the second day of the bright fortnight in the Hindu month, Ashadha. The first Rath Yatra in Puri festival is widely celebrated in Odisha’s coastal city. Know more about the Jagannath Puri Ratha 2024 to better understand the centuries-old tradition and its significance.
Lord Jagannatha Ratha Yatra celebration
Lord Jagannath, commonly known as the “Lord of the Universe,” is wheeled out of the temple on exquisite chariots on this day. In addition to the idol of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra are also carried to the Gundicha Temple on various chariots, where they are shown across the entire city. After spending some time there, the three idols depart and head back to the main temple.
Devotees gathered at the place to witness the idols on their chariots, which is the main attraction on the opening day of the nine-day celebration. Once the three goddesses are positioned at the top of their decorated chariots, the big Rath Yatra gets underway. The chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra are referred to as Nandighosha, Taladhwaja, and Darpadalan, respectively. Numerous devotees make an effort to pull these chariots.
Puri Rath Yatra: The Chariots
Every year, the three chariots of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are built new using wood from particular trees, such as Phassi and Dhausa. They are usually transported from the former princely state of Dasapalla by a highly skilled group of carpenters who are entitled to certain privileges and skills by inheritance. Traditionally, the logs are floated down the Mahanadi River in the form of rafts. These are gathered close to Puri and then driven there.
Situated on Bada Danda, Grand Avenue, the three chariots are adorned following the distinctive design that has been established and adhered to for generations. Near the temple’s eastern entrance, also called the Sinhadwara or the Lion’s Gate, the chariots are outfitted on the broad avenue in front of the building.
Nine Parsva devatas, painted wooden representations of various deities on the sides of the chariots, surround each of the chariots. Four horses and a charioteer (Sarathi) are included in each chariot.
About Puri Rath Yatra
The Skanda Purana describes the twelve Yatras of Shree Jagannatha; the Ratha Yatra, also known as the Shree Gundicha Yatra.
As per the “Bamadev Samhita,” individuals who can see the four deities for a week on the Gundicha Temple’s Simhasana (holy seat) will be granted a spot in Baikuntha, the celestial dwelling, along with their ancestors for eternity. According to this text, people who learn about this wonderful celebration also experience the intended witness of this grand occasion with their eyes. In addition, anyone who learns the sacred festival’s rites and educates others about them may be granted entry inside his sacred dwelling.
For the benefit of all humankind, the “four deities” Ratha Yatra is held on the second day of the bright fortnight of Ashadha. It is said in the Skanda Purana that the Shree Gundicha Yatra is the most significant Mahaprabhu event. To carry out His promised directive, Shree Hari, the supreme Lord of the cosmos, rides in a very joyous mood in his chariot to the Gundicha Temple.
The slightest touch of the chariot, which represents “Sandhini Sakti,” bestows upon the devotees the compassion of Lord Shree Jagannatha. In this context, the well-known verse is as follows:
“Ratha tu Vamanam drustva purnarjanma na vidyate.”