Jagannath Yatra is one of the most sacred events in Hindu mythology. Various beliefs of people are attached to the Yatra. Every individual, young or old, is familiar with all the deeds that Lord Krishna did during his life span. He was the one to bring peace and harmony to the world by eliminating all evil.
The following blog talks about the importance of rath yatra and similar topics.
What is the Story of Jagannath Rath Yatra?
The Jagannath rath yatra is organized at Puri in Odisha. It is believed that Lord Jagannath wishes to go to his birthplace every year.
Lord Krishna and Balram’s maternal uncle Kansa invited them to Mathura to kill them. Kansa sent Akrur with a chariot to Gokul. Lord Krishna and Balram sat on the chariot and left for Mathura.
There is one more story about Jagannath yatra. Many people say that the Rath Yatra festival is related to Lord Krishna, Balaram, and Subhadra in Dwarka. Once upon a time, Lord Krishna’s eight wives wanted to concentrate on some divine tales associated with Krishna and Gopi’s from mother Rohini.
Initially, the mother did not want to narrate the story. Finally, after an extended request, she agreed but on the condition that Subhadra would guard the door so that nobody overhears.
While Rohini mother is narrating the stories, Subhadra was so captivated that Lord Krishna and Balaram received the doorway, and Subhadra stopped them by standing in between them together with her hands wide apart.
At that point, sage Narad arrived and saw three siblings together. So, he prayed for the three of them to offer their blessings this way forever. The Gods granted Narad’s wish then. Now, all the three gods reside in Puri’s Jagannath temple eternally.
In Dwaraka, devotees celebrated the day when Lord Krishna, amid Balaram, took Subhadra, his sister, for a ride on a chariot to point out the sweetness of the town.
An exciting Jagannath temple story was there of Lord Krishna becoming the Sarathi, the driving force of Arjuna’s chariot, during the 18th day battle of the Mahabharata.
Why is Jagannath Rath Yatra celebrated?
Since there are many stories associated with the Jagannath Yatra, celebrating the same varies with each story. For instance, if we go with the most talked of story, Lord Krishna wishes to return to his home once every year. Thus, all the devotees pull chariots, visit the Jagannath temple and seek blessings from the almighty.
The Jagannath rath yatra is celebrated with love and compassion to please Lord Krishna.
What is the Significance of Jagannath Rath Yatra?
Jagannath is formed from two words Jaga which suggests Universe, and Nath means Lord, that is, ‘Lord of Universe’. So, Lord Jagannath is taken into account together with the reincarnations of avatars of Lord Vishnu.
Per annum, the Rath Yatra is widely known by the devotees. Idols are taken out on a chariot, and therefore, the three chariots are pulled by the devotees through the streets of Puri to the Gundicha temple, a couple of kilometers away.
There is a belief that pulling the chariots of their God during the procession may be a way of engaging within the pure devotion of the Lord. It also destroys the sins that could be committed either knowingly or unknowingly.
Many devotees widely know Jagannath Rath Yatra across the planet to seek God’s blessings and fulfil their wishes. The atmosphere at the time of Rath Yatra is so pure and delightful. Jagannath Rath Yatra is additionally famous as Gundicha Yatra, Chariot Festival, Dasavatara, and Navadina Yatra.
Who Started Jagannath Rath Yatra?
The jagannath rath yatra history is very rich. It is believed that in the Moghul period, King Ramsingh of Jaipur, Rajasthan, has been described as organising the Rath Jatra in the 18th Century. In Odisha, the Kings of Mayurbhanj and Parlakhemundi organised the Rath Jatra, though the grandest festival in terms of scale and popularity occurs at Puri.
How Much Distance is Covered by the Chariots During the Rath Yatra?
The Rath Yatra, or the Chariot festival, maybe a 10-12-day annual celebration during which Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are taken in chariots to remain within the Gundicha Temple, 3 km far away from the Jagannath temple, for nine days.
There are varying accounts in Hindu mythology on why the deities are taken to Gudincha. One legend has it that the deities attend meet Gudincha, the queen of King Indrayumna, who is believed to possess built the temple.
Another legend has it that on the fourth day of the festival, Goddess Lakshmi, the wife of Lord Jagannath, visits the Gundicha temple to satisfy her husband.
At the top of the nine days, the deities are brought back to the Jagannath Temple. The journey is named Bahuda Jatra or the Jagannath Yatra, and therefore the chariots are pulled by devotees.
The procession of the three chariots from Jagannath temple to Gundicha temple is named pahandi.
Why is Rath Yatra Called Gundicha Yatra?
The Ratha Yatra or Rath Jatra is additionally referred to as Gundicha Jatra, Navadina Jatra, Ghosa Jatra, Dasavatara Jatra, and other names.
It is believed that the Lord was pleased with the queen’s devotions and conferred a boon upon her, promising to go to her palace once a year for a couple of days’ stay. The residence of Queen Gundicha became a temple later. It is beautifully made on the lines of the Kalinga sort of architecture.
Another legend is that Gundicha is Lord Jagannath’s aunt, who likes to welcome her nephews per annum to pamper them amorously and affectionately.
Conclusion
There are no specific words or phrases that could define the significance of rath yatra. It is a pool of people’s beliefs and love for Lord Krishna. This Yatra is performed following all the traditional guidelines laid down by our ancestors to eliminate any point of mistake.
You can get more information about the Jagannath rath yatra on ISKCON Dwarka‘s website.
