Who is Jagannath?
Lord Shri Jagannath is the main deity of the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha. The Puri Jagannath temple is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites in India. Jagannatha is worshipped in regional Hindu traditions in India as part of a triad along with his brother Lord Balabhadra, and sister, Subhadra. Jagannath, within Odia Hinduism, is the supreme god, Purushottama, and the Para Brahman. To most Vaishnava Hindus, particularly the Krishnaites, Jagannath is an abstract representation of Krishna, sometimes as the avatar of Vishnu. To some Shaiva and Shakta Hindus, he is a symmetry-filled tantric form of Bhairava, a fierce manifestation of Shiva associated with annihilation.
Jagannath is a Sanskrit word, compounded of Jagat meaning "universe" and natha meaning "Master" or "Lord". Thus, Jagannath is the "Lord of the universe".
In Sanskrit, the letters "Ja" stand in for Jagannath, "Ga" for Balabhadra, "Nna" for Subhadra, and "Tha" for Sudarsan. Thus, the four deities of the Jagannath Temple are united under the name Jagannath.
In the Odia language, Jagannath is linked to other names, such as Jagā (ଜଗା) or Jagabandhu (ଜଗବନ୍ଧୁ) ("Friend of the Universe"). Further, on the basis of the physical appearance of the deity, names like Kalia (କାଳିଆ) ("The Black-coloured Lord", but which can also mean "the Timely One"), Darubrahman (ଦାରୁବ୍ରହ୍ମ) ("The Sacred Wood-Riddle"), Dāruēdebatā (ଦାରୁ ଦେବତା "The wooden god"), Chakā ākhi (ଚକା ଆଖି) or Chakānayan (ଚକା ନୟନ "With round eyes"), Cakāḍōḷā (ଚକା ଡୋଳା "with round pupils") are also in vogue.
His parallel arms show that he is ready to hug followers from all over the world, and his round eyes, which lack eyelids, show that he is attentive to his followers' needs even when he is not sleeping. Lord Jagannath-related matters are all Bada (any form of Greatness).
He's referred to as the Bada Thakura (The Chief among all Gods).
The Bada Deula is the name of His Temple (The main temple among the temples). Bada Danda is the name of the street in front of the temple (Grand Road).
The Mahodadhi is the name of the Sea of Puri (Great Ocean).
The Puri cemetery for cremations is called Swargadwar (The Gateway to Heaven).
One of the wonders of Lord Jagannath is his Annual Rath Yatra or Chariot Festival, which attracts millions of pilgrims. This is the only festival in the world where deities are taken out of temples to travel to devotees, and it is also the largest chariot procession in the world.
Documented in Hindu sacred texts – Brahma Purana, Padma Purana, Skanda Purana and Kapila Samhita – it is believed that Subhadra, sister of Lord Jagannath, desired to travel to Puri. To fulfil her wish, Lord Jagannath, along with his elder brother Lord Balabhadra, left for Puri in a chariot with Devi Subhadra.
Since then, this festival marks the annual ceremonial journey of Lord Jagannath, brother Balabhadra and younger sister Subhadra, from their home temple to another temple which is considered to be their aunt’s home.
In Hindu mythology, deities, once stationed, are not removed from their position. The Jagannath Yatra is the only festival whose rituals allow Hindu deities to travel from the Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple, where they stay for a couple of days.
Ratha Yatra Puri involves three massive chariots that are specially constructed every year by skilled carpenters from over 4000 pieces of wood. The chariots are named Nandighosha for Jagannath, Taladhwaja for Balabhadra and Devadalana for Subhadra. They have 18, 16 and 14 wheels respectively and are decorated with colorful fabrics, flags and paintings. These chariots are pulled by devotees and it is believed that touching the rope of Lord Jagannath’s chariot will cleanse all the sins committed, knowingly or unknowingly.
Ratha Yatra Puri is also known by various names such as Gundicha Yatra, Ghosa Yatra, Patitapabana Yatra, Dasa Avatara Yatra, Dakhinayana Yatra, Antarbedi Yatra, Adapa Yatra and Nabadina Yatra. Each name reflects a different aspect or legend of the festival.
Ratha Yatra Puri involves various rituals and ceremonies that are performed by the servitors (sevakas) and devotees. Some of them are:
The auspicious lamp offering to the deities early in the morning on the day of Ratha Yatra.
The ceremonial procession of carrying the deities from their temple to their chariots.
The ritual of sweeping and sprinkling sandalwood water on the chariots by the king (Gajapati) of Puri as a mark of humility and service.
The cutting of the ropes that bind the chariots to the temple gate by an axe-wielding servitor.
The pulling of the chariots by thousands of devotees who chant the names of the deities and sing devotional songs.
The ritual of Goddess Lakshmi visiting Gundicha temple to bring back her husband Jagannath on the fifth day of Ratha Yatra.
The dressing up of the deities in golden attire on their chariots before entering their temple on Bahuda Yatra.
The offering of a special drink to the deities on their chariots on the ninth day of Ratha Yatra.
TThe re-entry of the deities into their temple after a mock fight with the servitors on the tenth day of Ratha Yatra.
These are some of the useful facts about Ratha Yatra Puri that can help you understand and appreciate this festival better. Ratha Yatra Puri is not only a religious festival but also a cultural phenomenon that celebrates the love and glory of Lord Jagannath and his devotees.