OdishaLIVE Bureau
The Rath Yatra or Chariot festival is one of the most awaited Hindu festivals. It honors Lord Jagannath’s visit along with his siblings – Lord Balbhadra and Devi Subhadra – to the temple of Queen Gundicha. This is the first occasion in the year and falls in the month of Ashadha as per the Hindu calendar. Every year three splendid chariots are constructed for the elegant Rath Yatra (the journey) of the Gods – Lord Jagannath and his siblings. The Journey starts by bringing the deities from the Bada Danda or Grand Avenue of Puri till their final halt of Sri Gundicha Temple.
Ratha Yatra is a major Hindu festival associated with Lord Jagannath. He is believed to be an incarnation of Vishnu. Held at Puri in India during the months of June and July the Chariot Festival is the only day when devotees who are not allowed into the temple can catch a glimpse of their revered deities. This festival is a symbol of equality and integration and pulls millions of devotees from around the globe to the lord’s abode at Puri, Odisha. Also being a universal deity and associated with Lord Krishna, the festival is observed in more than 70 countries worldwide.
Rath Yatra or Jatra is the celebration of Lord Jagannath, who is believed to be the Lord of Universe’s journey towards his aunt’s house; Jagannath Rath Yatra is more than five thousand years old. According to spiritual significance of Katha Upanishad- The festival talks about Human body as Rath and Sarathi or driver as God, who drives the chariot of body to the Yatra/journey to material existence or Bhavasagar as mentioned Classically.
The soul drives with in the Rath of body, which has been intellect and total, devoted to God the driver of the chariot towards the material existence. The wheels are significant of valor. The horses are synonymous of vigor, self discipline, tolerance, charity and discrimination, where as compassion self-control and amnesty are the reins of horses.
On the auspicious day devotees pull the chariots till the Gundicha temple. The Jagannath chariot Nandighosha, has 18 wheels and is 45.6 feet high, the chariot of Lord Balabhadra, Taladhwaja has 16 wheels and is 45 feet high and the chariot of Subhadra, Devadalana has 14 wheels and is 44.6 ft high. Every year the temple like wooden chariots are constructed fresh. The idols of these three deities are also made of wood and they are religiously replaced by new ones every 12 years.
