Jagannatha Swamy
Nayanapatha Gami
Bhava Tume
Our long wait is finally over.
A yatra that captures the hearts of millions of devotees across the globe is here. This is that enthralling time of the year, when devotees gather in large numbers in Puri to witness Lord Jagannath commence his 9-day journey to his aunt’s place, along with his dearest siblings. People are mesmerised by Lord Jagannath’s sight, with conches being blown and cymbals clanging loudly. The holy vibes spread across all of them, reaching the hearts of many!
Apart from being a global event, it deeply touches those, who are devout bhaktas of the Lord. It is often believed that even getting his mere glimpse purifies a person’s soul, washes his sins away. This explains why people dedicate their entire day to visiting Puri, and pray their hearts out!
The excitement usually sparks much before the festival begins, i.e., from the time of Akshaya Tritiya, when the Rath construction begins, to Snana Purnima, when the deities take their holy bath and fall ill.
The Bliss Yatra begins
After 15 long days of seclusion, the Lord of the Universe appears and gives a glimpse of himself to all his devotees, who await his blessings. Beginning when the divine trio is taken on the three raths to Gundicha temple, located a few miles away from the main temple, the chariots of Lord Balabhabra and Goddess Subhadra are pulled first, while Nandighosha (Lord Jagannath’s chariot) is pulled at last. Bhogs and other food items are packed for the journey ahead.
Throughout the procession unanimous chants of Jai Jagannath are heard across, coupled with playing of dholaks and music creates an atmosphere that literally makes you feel deeply connected with divinity and peace.
Behold the Magnificent Chariots!
The raths of the three deities are like God’s eighth wonder. The beautiful sight of three magnificent raths being pulled by the servitors, with a swarm of people surrounding them, is a time that comes once a year. Each Rath has its own name and unique features, you would be intrigued to know about. Read on to find out about the three majestic Raths pulled during the Yatra!
Nandighosha
Lord Jagannath’s rath, known as Nandighosha, has 16 wheels and is decorated with red and yellow cloth. The colours of the cloth are principally associated with Lord Vishnu himself. The Sarthi, or the charioteer of this rath, is Daruka, and the rope that is tied to it and pulled during the procession is called Shankhachuda Nagini. The flag atop the Lord’s Rath is called Trailokyamohini.
Taladhwaja
It’s the rath of Lord Jagannath’s elder brother, Lord Balabhadra. It consists of 14 wheels and bears a cloth of red and bluish-green in colour. Matali is its charioteer, who rides the rath with the help of Basuki Naga, the rope with which the chariot is pulled. The flag at the top of the rath is from Unnani.
Darpadalana
The rath that belongs to Goddess Subhadra, is driven on 12 wheels. It is covered with a red and black coloured cloth. Goddess’s charioteer is Arjuna, one of the historic characters from Mahabharata, known for his skilled archery among the Pandavas. He pulls Swarnachuda Nagini. The flag atop the chariot is called Nadambika.
One of the most important highlights of the entire event is the participation of the king of Puri. He is attired as a sweeper, sweeping and cleaning all the raths, carrying a broomstick with a golden handle, sprinkling sandalwood powder and water. This interesting ritual is called Chhera Pahanra. The ritual is done twice, first on the day of Rath Yatra and the second one on the last day.
Back to Home
After the ritual is over, the deities begin their way back to their home, or Bahuda Yatra, after staying for a week at Gundicha. On his way back to the main temple, the three deities are ffered a bhog of Poda Pitha at the Masi Maa temple.
As the Lord finally reaches the Singha-dwara, Goddess Lakshmi comes to visit him, receives his garland, and then returns to the temple and waits for him.
On Ekadashi, the Lord is offered a special drink called Adhara Pana.
Suna Vesa: The Conclusion
Basically, in the final ritual of the event, the deities are decorated with gold ornaments weighing nearly 208 kg. The devotees get a glimpse of the deities and seek their blessings. With the crowd cheering, the Lords bless the masses and promise to return on the yatra of peace and harmony the following year.
Household Celebrations
On the day of Rath Yatra, everybody looks forward to seeing Lord Jagannath, and seeking his unlimited blessings for a bright future. However, people often celebrate the divine occasion at home as well.
Small idols of the Lord are beautifully decorated with colourful flowers and sandalwood paste,which is very dear to Lord Jaganath. Use coconut and sandalwood paste at least three times per day! All dressed in ethnic attire, people put jhoti-chittas on their entrances, welcoming good luck and prosperity.
The past two years witnessed less footfall, as devotees stayed back at home due to COVID-19 restrictions during Rath Yatra. This year, people have been allowed to go back to have Lord’s darshan in Puri and be a part of the most-awaited festival of the year. If you plan to visit Puri too, make sure to stay safe and receive Lord’s blessings in abundance.
Happy Rath Yatra!
A yatra that captures the hearts of millions of devotees across the globe is here. This is that enthralling time of the year, when devotees gather in large numbers in Puri to witness Lord Jagannath commence his 9-day journey to his aunt’s place, along with his dearest siblings. People are mesmerised by Lord Jagannath’s sight, with conches being blown and cymbals clanging loudly.
