The Jagannath Rath Yatra transforms Puri into a vibrant spectacle of faith and celebration. This grand festival, dedicated to Lord Jagannath and his siblings, features colossal chariots paraded through the streets, drawing millions of devotees. Steeped in ancient mythology and rich traditions, the Yatra symbolises the triumph of devotion and collective spirituality. With its intricate rituals, colourful processions, and profound cultural impact, the Rath Yatra is a vivid expression of unity, humility, and divine grace, finds Nandini Rao.
The Jagannath Rath Yatra, one of India’s most iconic and grandiose religious festivals, is a vibrant expression of devotion, culture, and spirituality. This annual chariot festival, dedicated to Lord Jagannath—an incarnation of Lord Vishnu—along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra, transforms the coastal city of Puri, Odisha, into a spectacle of faith and celebration. The Yatra, marked by the majestic procession of colossal chariots, draws millions of devotees and tourists from across the globe. It is a journey steeped in rich mythology, profound cultural significance, and an unwavering devotion that transcends all barriers.
The history of the Jagannath Rath Yatra is deeply intertwined with the temple of Lord Jagannath in Puri, one of the four sacred Char Dham pilgrimage sites in India. The origins of this festival are enveloped in both historical records and mythological narratives, dating back to ancient times. The earliest references to the festival can be traced to the Puranas, ancient Hindu scriptures, which describe the grandeur of the procession and the divine significance of the deities’ journey.
Unique deity
A pivotal legend associated with the Rath Yatra revolves around the appearance of Lord Jagannath. According to popular lore, King Indradyumna of ancient kingdom of Avanti which is in present-day Malwa, after having a divine vision, commissioned the construction of the temple and the idol of Lord Jagannath. The temple’s deity is unique, depicted with large eyes and stumps instead of hands, symbolising an unfinished sculpture. The story goes that Lord Vishnu, in the guise of a carpenter, promised to carve the idols of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra, provided he was left undisturbed. However, the impatient king opened the door before the idols were complete, leading to the iconic unfinished form of the deities.
The Rath Yatra also commemorates the annual visit of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra from the main temple to the Gundicha Temple, their birthplace, located a few kilometers away. This journey represents the divine visit to their maternal aunt’s home, an event eagerly awaited by millions of devotees who believe in receiving the Lord’s blessings during this period. Records indicate that the festival gained significance during the rule of the Gajapati kings of Odisha.
The Rath Yatra is a grand spectacle, characterised by the procession of three enormous, intricately decorated wooden chariots, each carrying one of the deities. These chariots, constructed anew every year, are marvels of traditional craftsmanship, adorned with vibrant colours, motifs, and intricate carvings. The largest chariot, Nandighosa, carries Lord Jagannath; the second, Taladhwaja, carries Lord Balabhadra; and the third, Darpadalana, carries Devi Subhadra.
Divine rituals
The journey from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple is a vibrant affair, with devotees thronging the streets, chanting hymns, singing bhajans, and dancing their hearts out. A whole flurry of rituals is performed by the priests in the days preceding the Rath Yatra and among these the most famous is called the Snana Yatra where the beloved deities are bathed in 108 water pots.
The pulling of the chariots by thousands of devotees is a central ritual of the Yatra, symbolising the collective effort of humanity to seek divine intervention. The act of pulling the chariots is considered a pious activity, believed to cleanse the soul and grant divine blessings. The Yatra also includes several traditional rituals, such as the ceremonial sweeping of the chariots by the Gajapati King of Puri, a practice that underscores the humility and equality before the divine.
The Yatra begins with the ceremonial bathing of the deities, known as Snana Purnima, followed by the deities’ stay in a secluded area, called Anasara, where they are believed to recuperate from illness. During this period, devotees do not get darshan (sight) of the deities. The Yatra culminates with the return journey, known as Bahuda Yatra, where the deities are brought back to the Jagannath Temple, after a brief halt at the Mausi Maa Temple.
Towering temples
The primary temple, dedicated to Lord Jagannath, is an architectural marvel and a central hub of devotion. The temple, with its towering spire and intricate carvings, is not only a religious site but also a cultural icon. It houses the triad of deities—Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra—who are worshipped with great reverence. The temple’s sanctum sanctorum is a mystical space where devotees seek divine grace and spiritual solace.
The Gundicha Temple, also known as the Garden House of Jagannath, is the destination of the Rath Yatra. This temple, situated at a distance of about three kilometers from the Jagannath Temple, is believed to be the place where the deities’ aunt, Gundicha, resides. The temple holds immense significance as the deities stay here for nine days during the Yatra. The journey to the Gundicha Temple symbolises the annual visit of Lord Jagannath and his siblings to their birthplace.
Also known as the Ardhasani Temple, the Mausi Maa Temple this small shrine dedicated to Goddess Ardhasani, considered the aunt of Lord Jagannath, is a significant stop during the Rath Yatra. According to legend, the goddess offered the deities poda pitha (a special pancake made of lentils and rice) to appease their hunger during their journey. The Mausi Maa Temple visit symbolises the divine family’s connection with the extended family and the blessings received from the goddess.
Rich tradition
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is more than a religious festival; it is a cultural phenomenon that unites millions of people in a shared experience of devotion and celebration. The festival embodies the inclusiveness of Hinduism, allowing people from all castes, creeds, and social backgrounds to participate in the sacred rituals. The tradition of the Gajapati King sweeping the chariot path highlights the message of humility and the idea that before the divine, all are equal.
A devout, King Indradyumna, in order to express his love, humility and devotion for his Lord, decided to sweep the path of the chariot himself. To do so, he got into the clothes of a sweeper and carrying a golden broom in his hand, swept the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. This is called the Chhera Pahara and it is an important tradition of the Rath Yatra.
Culturally, the Rath Yatra has inspired a rich tradition of music, dance, and art. The vibrant folk performances, the melodious kirtans, and the intricate decorations of the chariots are all expressions of the deep-seated devotion and cultural heritage of Odisha. The festival also boosts the local economy, with the influx of tourists and devotees generating significant revenue for the region.
The Rath Yatra has a profound impact on the devotees, offering them an opportunity to witness the deities outside the sanctum of the temple, which is otherwise restricted. This ‘public darshan’ is a unique aspect of the festival, symbolising the Lord’s accessibility and compassion for all beings. The physical act of pulling the chariots is seen as a spiritual exercise, a symbolic effort to draw oneself closer to the divine.