Jagannath Rath Yatra, which is held on the second date of Shukla Paksha of Ashadh month every year in Puri, Odisha, India, is one of the most grand and ancient religious events in the world. The yatra is dedicated to Lord Jagannath (a form of Shri Krishna), his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra. It is not just a religious event, but a vibrant symbol of faith, social equality and association with nature.Also Read: Know the complete custom and rule of Jagannath Rath Yatra
Importance and mythology of Rath Yatra: It is believed that all sins of a person are destroyed by participating in the Rath Yatra or pulling the chariots of God and attains salvation. It is considered a virtuous fruitful equal to 100 yagyas.
According to mythology, once Goddess Subhadra expressed his desire to see Puri Nagar. To fulfill his wish, Lord Jagannath and Balabhadra sat on the chariot to visit the city and stayed on the way for a few days in the temple of their aunt Devi Gundicha. Since then, this rath yatra is taken out every year in memory of this incident, where Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra rode on three huge chariots and go to Gundicha temple from their main temple, and return after staying there for seven days.
Building and characteristics of chariots: Every year three different grand chariots are constructed for the rath yatra, which are drawn by the devotees:
* Chariot of Lord Jagannath – This is called Nandighosh or Garudadhwaj. Its color is red and yellow and is the largest (about 45.6 feet high) of all three.
* Balabhadra’s chariot: This is called Taldhwaj. Its color is red and green.
* Subhadra’s chariot: It is called Darpadalan or Padma Rath. Its color is black/blue and red.
These chariots are made completely from wood and are renewed every year, which symbolizes the renewal and cycle of life.
Unique traditions of rath yatra: Jagannath Rath Yatra is also famous for some of its unique traditions ..
Chhera Pahar – Before the Rath Yatra, the king (or their representatives) of Puri themselves clean the path front of the chariots with a gold broom. This tradition symbolizes that all are equal in front of God, there is no distinction between the king and the rank.
Incomplete sculptures – The idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are incomplete, whose hands and feet are not made full. It is believed that Devashilpi Vishwakarma had laid a condition that no one would see him while making the idol, but the king eagerly opened the door, causing the idols to remain incomplete. Then there was the All India Radio that God wants to be established in this form.Also Read: What was the worship of Lord Shri Ram in Jagannath Puri?
Navkalevar – Every 12 to 19 years, when ‘Adhamas’ or additional month, old sculptures are replaced and new sculptures are installed. This process is called ‘Navaklevar’, which is a symbol of spiritual rejuvenation.
Social harmony – This journey is an example of social equality. A person of any caste, religion or class can draw a chariot, which gives the message of unity and brotherhood.
Celebration of people: Millions of devotees come to Puri from India and abroad and get the privilege of pulling the ropes of chariots. This scene is full of devotion, enthusiasm and dedication. People walk with chariots while performing bhajan-kirtan, and the entire Puri city resonates with the announcement of ‘Jai Jagannath’.
Jagannath Rath Yatra is not just a religious festival, but a cultural mahaparva which reflects the depth of Indian heritage and the vibrancy of spirituality. This teaches us how faith, equality and collective participation can unite a society.
(For the publication of any content given on webdunia, the permission/acceptance of the author/webdunia is required, without this the use of compositions/articles is forbidden …)Also Read: How to go to Shri Jagannath Rath Yatra? Know the complete information of the entire Rath Yatra
