Millions of people annually celebrate the world-famous Jagannath Rath Yatra festival with unparalleled fervour in Puri, Odisha, India. During the Rath Yatra festival, Lord Jagannath along with his elder brother Lord Balabhadra and sister Devi Subhadra embark on a nine-day annual journey on huge wooden chariots. This vibrant festival is not just an event but a celebration of the unwavering faith and profound spiritual journey of Krishna devotees.
The Hindu calendar marks Rath Yatra on the second day of Shukla Paksha of the Ashadh month. It usually falls in June-July.
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History of Ratha Yatra
The tradition of Rath Yatra dates back to the 12th century AD, started by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva, who built the magnificent Jagannath temple in Puri. This grand festival finds mention in ancient texts such as the Brahma Purana, Padma Purana and Skanda Purana, which shed light on its ancient roots and enduring significance.
Celebration of the Ratha Yatra
On the Ashadh Shukla Dwitiya day, the Jagannath Rath Yatra starts from the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, and travels about 3 km to reach the Gundicha Temple, the residence of his aunt, which is also symbolically considered his birthplace. Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra ride on their huge chariots to the Gundicha Temple, where they rest for seven days. This journey is also called the “Gundicha Yatra”. After seven days, they begin their return journey, called the “Bahuda Yatra”, and return to the Jagannath Temple again. Through the Rath Yatra, the deity goes out of the boundaries of the Jagannath temple to bless everyone, regardless of their caste, creed or religion.
The nine-day long festival begins on Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya and ends on Ashadha Shukla Dashami, the day the deity returns to his main temple.
Three Chariots of Jagannath: Moving Temples in the City
Every year three different chariots are carefully constructed for the deities, made entirely of wood. These chariots are not just vehicles, but they look like intricately decorated moving temples in the city, each with its own identity:
- Nandighosh Ratha (Lord Jagannath’s Chariot):
Standing at a height of 45 feet, Nandighosha is the largest of the three. It has sixteen wheels, each seven feet in diameter, and is adorned with bright red and yellow cloth covers. Its flag, known as “Trailokya Mohini”, flutters majestically, and its white horses are named Sankha, Rochika, Mochika and Jwalani. The charioteer is Daruka. - Taladhwaja Ratha (Lord Balabhadra’s Chariot):
This chariot, 44 feet high and having fourteen wheels, is wrapped in red and blue cloth. Its black horses are – Sthira, Dhruti, Sthiti and Siddha. - Darpadalana Ratha (Goddess Subhadra’s Chariot):
At 43 feet with twelve wheels, Darpadalana is covered in red and black cloth, pulled by horses named Prajna, Anuja, Ghora, and Aghora.
The decoration of these chariots is an art in itself, with skilled tailors creating elaborate canopies from thousands of metres of cloth, and artisans adding intricate carvings and ornamentation.
Procession Route and Darshan
This grand procession starts from the Jagannath Temple and passes through the Bada Danda (Grand Processional Route) of Puri and ends at the Gundicha Temple, located about 3 km away. Lakhs of devotees eagerly participate in the chariot pulling, as they consider it an opportunity to serve Lord Jagannath and an extremely virtuous act. It also provides a unique opportunity for a public darshan of the deities, as non-Hindus are usually not allowed inside the main temple.
Key Rituals and Events
The religious rituals begin from Snana Purnima, 15 days before the main Rath Yatra. The Ratha Yatra festival encompasses several significant rituals:
- Snana Purnima: 15 days before the Rath Yatra, the deities undergo a ceremonial grand bath with 108 pots of water.
- Anasara: Following the bath, the deities are believed to fall “ill” and enter a period of isolation (Anasara) for 14 days, during which they receive special care.
- Naba Jaubana Darshan/Netrotsava: On the 16th day before the Rath Yatra, the idols of the deities are fully decorated and made ready for public viewing.
- Pahandi: The ceremonial procession where the deities are brought out of the temple onto their respective chariots.
- Chhera Pahanra: The Gajapati (King) of Puri performs the ritual of sweeping the chariots with a golden broom, symbolizing humility and devotion, before the pulling commences.
Bahuda Yatra: The Return Journey
After a stay of seven days at the Gundicha Temple, the deities commence their return journey, known as Bahuda Yatra. This marks their homecoming to their original abode, the Shree Jagannath Temple (Srimandir), after their nine-day stay at the Gundicha Temple., symbolizing the completion of their annual migration. We celebrate Bahuda Yatra on the Dashami Tithi (tenth day) of Shukla Paksha of the Ashadh month of Hindu calendar.
Niladri Bije: God’s Homecoming
The festival ends with Niladri Bije, which is the ceremonial re-entry of the deities into the sanctum sanctorum (Ratna Singhasan) of the Jagannath temple. In a heart-warming ritual on this day, Lord Jagannath offers ‘Rasgulla’ (a sweet made of cottage cheese) to Goddess Mahalakshmi to please her as she is believed to be upset with his long absence. This day is also known as ‘Rasagola Divas’ in Odisha.
Conclusion
The Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri culminates when the huge chariots return to the main gate and the deities are reinstalled in the Srimandir during the Niladri Bije, leaving an indelible impression on millions. The festival is a reflection of Indian faith, unity and cultural heritage, showcasing the dual spirit of ancient traditions and devotion.
This annual event attracts pilgrims and admirers from across the globe, confirming its timeless significance as one of the world’s most spectacular and spiritually enriching festivals.
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