Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra: The Biggest Chariot Festival in the World

Every year millions of people gather in Puri, Odisha to see one of the religious festivals. Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra is also called the Festival of Chariots. This big event is a celebration of devotion, equality, tradition and love for God.

The Rath Yatra festival is special because it lets everyone. No matter their religion, caste, nationality or background. See Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra outside the temple. The Gods travel through Puris streets in decorated chariots. This lets people from around the world get their blessings.

The Jagannath Rath Yatra is known worldwide as a spiritual festival in India. It brings together traditions, great craftsmanship, many people and deep religious meaning. Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra is an event that showcases the rich culture of India. People love to visit Puri for the Rath Yatra festival every year. The Rath Yatra festival is a time, for devotion and celebration. Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra is an experience.

What is Jagannath Rath Yatra?

Jagannath Rath Yatra is an event where Lord Jagannath, his brother Lord Balabhadra and sister Devi Subhadra travel from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple in Puri every year.

The word Rath means a big cart or chariot and Yatra means a journey.

This festival is special because it means a lot of things to people. It is like:

* God visiting the people who believe in Him

* Everyone being equal

* Showing that believing in God is very powerful

* Moving from a life that's only about money and things to a life that is, about spirit and soul

For the people who believe in Lord Jagannath pulling the big chariots is a very good thing to do. They think it will wash away the things they have done in their past lives.

About Lord Jagannath

Lord Jagannath is worshipped as a form of Lord Krishna or Lord Vishnu.

He is the one people look up to.

The word Lord Jagannath is made up of two words.

Jagat means the universe.

Nath means the lord of something.

So when we say Lord Jagannath it means Lord of the Universe.

People have been going to Puri for a long time to worship Lord Jagannath.

They also worship Lord Jagannath’s siblings, Balabhadra and Subhadra.

These three are very special because they are made of wood.

Lord Jagannath and his siblings show love. Care for all living things.

Where is Rath Yatra Celebrated?

The main Rath Yatra festival happens in:

Puri, Odisha, India

The journey covers 3 kilometres from these places:

• Jagannath Temple
• Badadanda also known as the Grand Road
• Gundicha Temple

Nowadays people celebrate Rath Yatra in many parts of India and in other countries, such, as:

• United States
• United Kingdom
• Canada
• Australia
• Russia
• Singapore
• Nepal
• Bangladesh

Many international Rath Yatra celebrations are organized by ISKCON temples.

History of Jagannath Rath Yatra

The Jagannath Rath Yatra started a time ago more than a thousand years back.

People find information about the Jagannath Rath Yatra in Hindu books like the Skanda Purana, Brahma Purana, Padma Purana and Niladri Mahodaya.

These books tell us about the importance of Lord Jagannath and the annual chariot festival of Jagannath Rath Yatra.

A king named King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva from the Eastern Ganga dynasty built the Jagannath Temple a time ago in the 12th century.

The Jagannath Rath Yatra has been happening every year without any breaks even when the kingdom changed hands during the rule and now, in modern India making the Jagannath Rath Yatra one of the oldest festivals that people still celebrate today.

Why does Lord Jagannath leave the temple?

Lord Jagannath goes to his aunt’s home at Gundicha Temple every year.

This is a deal.

Lord Jagannath does this to show that God loves every person who believes in him.

Here are some things that Lord Jagannath’s journey means to people:

* Lord Jagannath shows that God loves every devotee of Lord Jagannath

* Lord Jagannath can be reached by people even when they are not inside the temple

* People who cannot go to the temple can still get blessings from Lord Jagannath

* Lord Jagannath loves all people no matter what

This is why many people think that Rath Yatra is one of the best festivals because it includes everyone. Millions of people like Rath Yatra, for this reason.

The Three Sacred Chariots

Every year they build three wooden chariots. They use techniques to make them.

1. Nandighosha – Chariot of Lord Jagannath

• Height: It is 45 feet tall.
• Wheels: It has 16 wheels.
• Main Color: The main colors are yellow and red.
• Charioteer: Daruka drives it.
• Flag: The flag is called Trailokyamohini.

2. Taladhwaja – this is the Chariot of Lord Balabhadra.

• Height of the Taladhwaja Chariot is 44 feet
• It has 14 Wheels
• The Main Color of the Taladhwaja Chariot is Green and Red
• The Charioteer of the Taladhwaja Chariot is Matali

3. Darpadalana, also known as Devadalana is the Chariot of Devi Subhadra

• Height of the Darpadalana Chariot is 43 feet
• It has 12 Wheels
• The Main Color of the Darpadalana Chariot is Black and Red
• The Charioteer of the Darpadalana Chariot is Arjuna

Each of the chariots is rebuilt every year from sacred neem wood. They do not use construction methods. This way they preserve centuries- craftsmanship of the chariots.

Major Rituals of Rath Yatra

There are rituals in the Rath Yatra festival.

Snana Purnima is one of them.

The deities receive a bath with 108 pots of sacred water during Snana Purnima.

Then there is Anavasara.

Following the bath the deities are believed to fall ill. They remain hidden from view for approximately fifteen days during Anavasara.

Netrotsava is another ritual.

The divine eyes of the deities are ceremonially repainted before the Rath Yatra during Netrotsava.

Pahandi is a ritual.

The idols are carried from the temple to their chariots amid music and chanting and dancing during Pahandi.

Chhera Pahanra is an important ritual.

The Gajapati King of Puri sweeps the chariots with a broom during Chhera Pahanra. This ritual demonstrates that everyone is equal before God. It does not matter what your social status is.

Pulling the Chariots is an event.

Thousands of devotees pull the wooden chariots using thick ropes. Participating in this act is considered auspicious for the devotees of Rath Yatra.

Gundicha Temple Stay is a part of the festival.

The deities remain at Gundicha Temple for days.

Devotees offer prayers. Seek blessings during the Gundicha Temple Stay.

Bahuda Yatra is the return journey.

The return journey from Gundicha Temple back, to Jagannath Temple is called Bahuda Yatra.

Suna Besha is a spectacular ritual.

Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are adorned with gold ornaments during Suna Besha. This is one of the visually spectacular rituals of the Rath Yatra festival.

Niladri Bijaya

The deities are going back, to the Jagannath Temple. This means that the Rath Yatra is now over.

Spiritual Significance

The Rath Yatra festival teaches us some important spiritual values.

• God is for everyone, not a few people.
• Being devoted to God is more important than having a status.
• When we help people, we are actually helping God.
• Gods love and kindness are available, to everyone.
• Being humble is the thing we can be.

The Rath Yatra festival reminds people who believe in God that God comes to meet us than waiting for us to go to God.

The Importance of Pulling the Chariot

People have been pulling the Chariot for a long time. When we talk about pulling the Chariot we are actually talking about the chariots. Pulling the chariots is a big deal for devotees. They think that pulling the chariots does a lot of good things for them. Here are some things that pulling the chariots can do:

* It brings them blessings from the sacred chariots.

* It helps remove the sins that they have accumulated over time from pulling the chariots.

* It gives them merit when they pull the sacred chariots.

* It makes their devotion stronger when they are pulling the chariots.

* It helps them get closer, to liberation, which is also called Moksha by pulling the chariots.

The Chariots have a special architecture.

Every year is the same for the Chariots.

Here is what happens:

* The people who make the Chariots handcraft than a thousand wooden components.

* They never use a Chariot again.

* The people who make the Chariots follow the measurements of the Chariots very carefully.

* The skilled artisans who make the Chariots are born into families that have been making the Chariots for a time and they work on the Chariots for several weeks.

* Before the Chariots are taken out in a procession the artisans add cloth and carvings and flags and wooden horses to the Chariots.

The process of building the Chariots is considered a ritual, for the Chariots.

Jagannath Temple Highlights

The Jagannath Temple is a special place for Hindus. It is one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites that Hindus consider sacred.

The Jagannath Temple has a lot of things to see and experience. Some of the highlights of the Jagannath Temple include:

• The Jagannath Temple was built a time ago in the 12th century
• The Jagannath Temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath
• The Jagannath Temple is famous for its Maha Prasad which is prepared in earthen pots
• The Jagannath Temple has one of the biggest temple kitchens in India
• The Jagannath Temple has a lot of rich traditions, like music and rituals and festivals

The Best Time to Visit

The Rath Yatra festival is held every year during the Hindu month of Ashadha which's usually in June or July.

You should get to the place least one or two days before the Rath Yatra festival starts. This way you can avoid problems, with transportation. Find a good place to stay.

To Get to Puri

By Air

The airport to Puri is Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar. It is 60 kilometres away from Puri.

By Train

You can get to Puri by train. Puri Railway Station is connected to big cities, in India.

By Road

There are buses and taxis that go to Puri from Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Konark and other places. You can also drive to Puri in your vehicle.

Where to Stay in Puri

There are places to stay in Puri. These include

• Budget guest houses
• Dharamshala’s
• Mid-range hotels
• Luxury beach resorts

If you want to go to Puri during Rath Yatra, you should book your room a time before you go. It is an idea to book your room in advance.

Visitor Tips

• Get here early to get a spot.
• Bring water and some snacks.
• Wear clothes made of cotton.
• Use a hat or umbrella to stay cool.
• Listen to what the police and volunteers say.
• Keep an eye on your kids in areas.
• Be respectful of customs and temple rules.
• Drink water during the day.

Cool Facts About Rath Yatra

• Rath Yatra is one of the religious parades in the world.
• Millions of people come to Rath Yatra every year.
• New chariots are made for Rath Yatra each year.
• Rath Yatra has been happening for a long time.
• The King of Puri sweeps the road for Rath Yatra.
• Lord Jagannath comes out of the temple to bless everyone during Rath Yatra.
• Rath Yatra inspires Rath Yatra celebrations, around the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can people who are not Hindus see Lord Jagannath during Rath Yatra?

Yes. Although you cannot enter the Jagannath Temple everyone can see Lord Jagannath during the Rath Yatra procession.

Why do they build chariots every year?

They build chariots every year to show renewal, tradition and devotion.

Can anyone pull the chariots?

Yes. Anyone can help pull the chariots. Devotees from all backgrounds traditionally participate under supervision.

How long does the festival last?

The festival lasts days. It starts with ceremonies and ends with Niladri Bijaya.

Is photography allowed?

You can take photos along the Grand Road during the procession. However, photography is not allowed inside the Jagannath Temple.

Conclusion

Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra is more than a festival. It shows faith, unity and tradition. Every chariot, every chant and every step of the procession show centuries of heritage. This heritage continues to inspire millions

If you visit Puri as a pilgrim, travellers or enthusiast seeing Rath Yatra is an experience. It is a chance to see one of humanity’s traditions. During Rath Yatra devotion brings people together. Lord Jagannath comes out to bless everyone.

The chariots are impressive. Millions of devotees have a lot of energy. The spiritual atmosphere is deep. So Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra is one of the celebrations of faith, in the world.