RathYatra or chariot festival is celebrated on 27th June in honour of Lord Jagannath who is one of the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu in Hindu mythology. RathYatra is a symbol of unity, brotherhood, and peace. This is one of the most important festivals celebrated across India. It signifies a journey through life with family members. The emergence of the god from the temple is a symbol of his presence among ordinary men on earth. The English word ‘juggernaut’ is derived from Jagannath.The rites associated with the journey of Jagannath and his two companions from the great temple and their return nine days later has been recalled. Prajnanananda Paramahansa says “He is the eye of all eyes, the nose of all noses, the ear of all ears. – He is the Lord of ever changing cosmos. The Lord of the universe or jagat, is Jagannath.”
Jagannath Puri temple is called ‘Yamanika Tirtha’ where, according to the Hindu beliefs, the power of ‘Yama’, the god of death has been nullified in Puri due to the presence of Lord Jagannath. Lord Jagannath is a form of Lord Krishna, the complete avatar of Lord Vishnu. In the city of Puri in the state of Odisha, Lord Jagannath visits his sister Subhadra and brother Balarama. Every year the wooden temples like chariots are constructed newly. The idols of these three deities are also made of wood and they are religiously replaced by new ones in every 12 years. Jagannath Puri temple is called ‘Yamanika Tirtha’ where, according to the Hindu beliefs, the power of ‘Yama’, the god of death has been nullified in Puri due to the presence of Lord Jagannath.
The festival dates back to at least the 12th century CE, when the Jagannath temple was built by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva. However, some sources suggest that the festival was already in practice since ancient times.
The name of this city is derived from Jagannath Puri to Puri. According to Hindu belief, Lord Vishnu dines in Puri, bathes in Rameswaram, sleeps in Dwarka and meditates in Badrinath. Char DhamYatra is considered incomplete without a visit to Lord Jagannath in Puri. It is said that on this special day and for seven days afterwards, Lord Jagannath descends from His pedestal and mingles with His devotees. There are no barriers between Him and His worshippers. Each deity has its own massive chariot, which is replica of the temple. The day before the rath yatra, the three chariots are lined up along side the Arun Stambha, an 18th century pillar, situated in in front of the temple.
Legend says it always rains on the day of the procession. For a whole week before, the temple doors are shut and no one is allowed inside, because it is believed that the sibling deities have a fever after bathing in the sun with 108 pitchers of water. The breaking of their fever calls for a change of scene, which is why they go to their aunt’s home for a few days.
One thing is interesting is that the chariot that is pulled on the occasion of RathYatra is made of a type of Neem tree wood. It is however later dismantled and used as firewood in the temple kitchen. The temple offers prasad to the Lord, which is then distributed among devotees. Interestingly this RathaYatra is also seen as the journey of life undertaken to achieve Moksha. The Jagannath Rath Yatra is a vibrant celebration that embodies the spirit of unity, devotion, and cultural heritage.
(Written by Vinod Chandrashekhar Dixit)
