Puri, a coastal city in the eastern state of Odisha, is one of the most sacred and popular pilgrimage destinations for Hindus. The city is home to the Jagannath Temple, a magnificent shrine dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Vishnu or Krishna. The temple is also the venue for the world-famous Rath Yatra, or the Chariot Festival, an annual celebration of the divine journey of the Lord and his siblings.
The Jagannath Temple
The Jagannath Temple is one of the four Dhams, or holy abodes, of Hinduism, along with Badrinath, Dwarka, and Rameshwaram. The temple is believed to have been built in the 12th century by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva, although some legends trace its origin to much earlier times. The temple complex covers an area of 37,000 square meters and has four gates, each facing a cardinal direction. The main gate is the Lion’s Gate, or the Simhadwara, which leads to the main shrine of Jagannath.
The temple houses three deities: Jagannath, his elder brother Balabhadra, and his younger sister Subhadra. Unlike other Hindu idols, these deities are made of wood, cloth, and resin, and have large heads and no arms. They are said to represent the incomplete forms of the Lord, who appeared to an impatient king who wanted to see him. The deities are replaced every 12 or 19 years by new ones, in a secret ceremony known as the Nabakalebara.
The temple follows a strict daily schedule of rituals and ceremonies, which include bathing, dressing, offering food, and performing arts to the deities. The temple also hosts various festivals throughout the year, such as the Snana Yatra, the Chandan Yatra, the Nava Kalebara, and the Rath Yatra. The temple is open to all Hindus, regardless of caste or creed, but non-Hindus are not allowed inside the sanctum sanctorum.
The Rath Yatra
The Rath Yatra, or the Chariot Festival, is the most important and spectacular event of the Jagannath Temple. It is held every year in the month of Ashadha (June-July), on the second day of the bright fortnight. The festival commemorates the annual visit of the Lord and his siblings to their aunt’s temple, the Gundicha Temple, which is about 3 km away from the Jagannath Temple.
The festival begins with the ceremonial procession of the deities from the temple to their respective chariots, which are parked outside the Lion’s Gate. This is known as the Pahandi or the carrying of the deities. The deities are adorned with colorful and elaborate costumes and ornaments and are carried by the temple priests and servitors, who are the only ones allowed to touch them. The devotees throng the streets to catch a glimpse of the deities and seek their blessings.
The chariots are massive wooden structures, which are newly constructed every year by a team of carpenters who have the hereditary rights to do so. The chariots are decorated with cloth, metal, and paint, and have wheels, axles, pillars, roofs, and flags. The chariots also have names and symbols associated with the deities. The chariot of Jagannath is called Nandighosha, or the Chariot of Bliss, and has 16 wheels and a yellow and red canopy. The chariot of Balabhadra is called Taladhwaja, or the Chariot of Strength, and has 14 wheels and a green and red canopy. The chariot of Subhadra is called Devadalana, or the Chariot of the Goddess, and has 12 wheels and a black and red canopy.
The chariots are pulled by thousands of devotees, who consider it a great honor and merit to do so. The chariots are accompanied by music, dance, chants, and prayers, creating a festive and spiritual atmosphere. The chariots move slowly along the Grand Avenue, or the Bada Danda, and stop at various places for rituals and offerings. The chariots also pause at the crematorium of a Muslim devotee, Salabega, who was a great devotee of Jagannath and composed many poems in his praise.
The chariots reach the Gundicha Temple after a few hours, where the deities are taken inside and placed on their respective altars. The deities stay there for nine days, during which they are worshipped and offered food and services. This is known as the Gundicha Yatra, or the Stay at Gundicha. The devotees can visit the deities at the Gundicha Temple and also enjoy the various cultural and religious programs that are organized there.
The return journey of the deities from the Gundicha Temple to the Jagannath Temple is known as the Bahuda Yatra or the Return Journey. It takes place on the tenth day of the bright fortnight of Ashadha. The deities are again taken in their chariots and pulled by the devotees along the same route. On the way, the chariots stop at the Mausi Maa Temple, or the Aunt’s Temple, where the deities are offered a special delicacy called Poda Pitha, or the Burnt Cake, which is said to be their favorite.
The chariots reach the Jagannath Temple in the evening, where the deities are greeted by their consort, Goddess Lakshmi, who is angry with them for leaving her behind. The deities try to appease her with gifts and gestures and then enter the temple through the Lion’s Gate. This is known as the Suna Besha, or the Golden Attire, as the deities are dressed in gold ornaments and crowns. The devotees can witness this spectacle from outside the temple and receive the blessings of the Lord.
The next day, the deities are taken back to their original throne inside the temple, in a ritual known as the Niladri Bijaya, or the Victory of the Lord. This marks the end of the Rath Yatra, and the resumption of normal temple activities.
How to Experience the Divine Bliss of Puri
If you want to experience the divine bliss of Puri, you should plan your trip well in advance, as the city gets crowded and expensive during the Rath Yatra. You should book your accommodation, transportation, and tickets online, and follow the guidelines and instructions of the authorities. You should also be prepared for the weather, which can be hot and humid, and carry water, sunscreen, hats, and umbrellas.
Visit the Jagannath Temple and the Gundicha Temple any time of the year, but the best time to witness the glory and grandeur of the Lord is during the Rath Yatra. watch the Pahandi, the Rath Yatra, and the Suna Besha from the designated viewing areas, or the rooftops and balconies of nearby buildings. Participate in the pulling of the chariots, if you are physically fit and willing to do so. visit the other temples and attractions in and around Puri, such as the Puri Beach, the Chilika Lake, the Raghurajpur Village, and the Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves.
The Rath Yatra is not just a festival, but a spiritual journey, where you can connect with the Lord and his devotees, and experience the joy and bliss of his presence. The Rath Yatra is a celebration of life, love, and devotion, and a reminder of the eternal bond between the Lord and his creation.
Also Read-
Udayagiri And Khandagiri Caves: Explore the Ancient Jain Heritage of Odisha