The annual Jagannath Rath Yatra in Odisha's Puri began on Sunday and top leaders including President Droupadi Murmu, PM Narendra Modi, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee extended their best wishes to the nation on this auspicious occasion. The President prayed for everyone's happiness and prosperity while the PM and Vice President sought blessings from Mahaprabhu Jagannath. The Chief Minister also promised to commence Rath Yatra from the newly built Jagannath Dham in Digha next year.
Rath Yatra: A Divine Journey of Lord Jagannath
Every year, the holy city of Puri in Odisha becomes the epicenter of an unparalleled religious spectacle: the Jagannath Rath Yatra. This grand festival marks the annual journey of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra from their abode in the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple.
Historical Background:
The origins of the Rath Yatra can be traced back to the 12th century. Legend has it that Lord Jagannath was invited by King Indradyumna to Puri after revealing his divine form to the King. As a symbol of this invitation, the King built the Jagannath Temple and organized the first Rath Yatra.
Over the centuries, the Rath Yatra has become an integral part of Odia culture and is celebrated with great fervor and devotion. It has also been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The Grand Procession:
The Rath Yatra begins on the day of Ashadha Shukla Paksha Dwitiya (usually in June or July). On this day, the three deities are ceremonially bathed and adorned with elaborate costumes and jewelry. They are then placed in three colossal wooden chariots, each pulled by thousands of devotees.
The chariots, known as Nandighosha (Lord Jagannath), Taladhwaja (Lord Balabhadra), and Darpadalana (Goddess Subhadra), are beautifully decorated with intricate carvings and colorful fabrics. The procession proceeds from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, a distance of approximately 3 kilometers.
Religious Significance:
The Rath Yatra symbolizes the journey of the soul towards liberation. Lord Jagannath represents the soul, Balabhadra represents the mind, and Subhadra represents the physical body. The journey to the Gundicha Temple signifies the departure of the soul from the body and its pilgrimage towards enlightenment.
During the Rath Yatra, devotees believe that Lord Jagannath comes out of the temple to bless his devotees. They seek his blessings for happiness, prosperity, and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Recent Celebrations and Wishes:
This year's Rath Yatra commenced on July 1, 2023. Top leaders, including President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, extended their best wishes to the nation on this auspicious occasion.
Top 5 FAQs:
The Rath Yatra takes place in Puri, Odisha, every year on the day of Ashadha Shukla Paksha Dwitiya (usually in June or July).
The Rath Yatra symbolizes the journey of the soul towards liberation and represents the departure of the soul from the body and its pilgrimage towards enlightenment.
Three chariots are used in the Rath Yatra: Nandighosha (Lord Jagannath), Taladhwaja (Lord Balabhadra), and Darpadalana (Goddess Subhadra).
The distance between the Jagannath Temple and the Gundicha Temple is approximately 3 kilometers.
Pulling the chariots during the Rath Yatra is believed to bring good luck and is considered an act of devotion to Lord Jagannath.
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