Jagannath — the name itself means "Lord of the Universe" (Jagat + Nath). Despite having no visible hands or feet, Prabhu Jagannath is believed to be omnipresent and all-accepting, embodying the Supreme Brahman described in the Vedas.
“Without a hand or a foot, yet swiftly moving and grasping, He sees without eyes and hears without ears. He knows all that is to be known, yet none knows Him.”
~ Svetasvatara Upanishad 3.19
Unity of Hindu Sects in Jagannath
Lord Jagannath is the symbol of the harmony among five major Hindu sects: Shakta (Shakti worship), Shaiva (Shiva worship), Ganapatya (Ganesha worship), Saura (Sun worship), and Vaishnava (Vishnu worship).
- Balabhadra represents Shiva.
- Subhadra symbolizes Shakti.
- Jagannath is Vishnu incarnate.
- Sudarshan Chakra stands for Surya.
- On Snan Yatra, Jagannath is worshipped as Ganesha.
Additionally, in Tantric belief, Prabhu Jagannath is revered as Bhairava of the Bimala Devi Shakti Peeth, proving his worship in both Vedic and Tantric traditions.
Origin and Significance of Rath Yatra
The Rath Yatra is an ancient festival, mentioned in the Puranas, celebrating Lord Jagannath’s divine journey to the Gundicha Temple – his “aunt’s house.” This symbolic visit represents his love for devotees and his connection to the material world.
The festival is celebrated in the Hindu month of Ashadha, on Shukla Paksha Dwitiya. The main procession happens on one day, but the celebration continues over several days.
Rituals and Events of Rath Yatra
1. Snan Yatra
Around 15 days before the Rath Yatra, the deities are bathed with 108 pots of sacred water. This “holy bath” causes them to fall ill, symbolically, and they remain in seclusion (Anasara) for healing.
2. Construction of Chariots
The massive chariots are built annually by skilled artisans using sacred woods like neem and sal. No metal or nails are used. Each chariot is unique:
- Nandighosa (Jagannath): 45 feet, 16 wheels, red-yellow fabric
- Taladhwaja (Balabhadra): 44 feet, 14 wheels, red-green fabric
- Darpadalana (Subhadra): 43 feet, 12 wheels, red-black fabric
3. Pahandi Bije
The deities are carried out of the temple in a grand procession, accompanied by conch shells, drums, and chants. They are placed on their respective chariots in a royal manner.
4. Chhera Pahanra
The Gajapati King of Puri sweeps the chariots with a golden broom, showing that no one is above service to God – not even a king.
5. Chariot Pulling
Devotees pull the chariots with ropes from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple. Chanting “Jai Jagannath,” they express unity, surrender, and devotion.
6. Stay at Gundicha Temple
The deities stay at the aunt’s house for 7 days. Devotees visit for darshan and perform rituals, deepening their spiritual connection.
7. Bahuda Yatra
After a week, the deities return to the Jagannath Temple. The rituals like Pahandi and Chhera Pahanra are repeated, symbolizing reunion.
8. Suna Besha
The deities are dressed in golden attire on their chariots the next day. The sight, called Suna Besha, draws millions for darshan.
9. Niladri Bije
This marks the return of the deities into the sanctum of the Jagannath Temple. With this, the divine journey concludes.
Conclusion
The Rath Yatra is not just a festival — it's a spiritual journey of unity, devotion, and eternal truth. Lord Jagannath, in his mystical form, reminds us that the divine is beyond physical form, yet always present. May this divine chariot journey bless us all with peace, humility, and salvation.
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