Members of the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee performed traditional rituals as the log sawing began at the Forest Department's sawmill in Cuttack. This marks the start of "Katha Chirat" for the upcoming Ratha Yatra of Lord Jagannath, which takes place on the auspicious occasion of Shri Ram Navami. The logs will be used for the construction of chariots for the Holy Trinity and the process will continue daily from 6am to 9am. This has been a longstanding tradition and is an important part of the preparations for the Ratha Yatra.
Ram Navami and the Katha Chirat Ritual for Ratha Yatra
Ram Navami, a significant festival in Hinduism, marks the birth of Lord Rama. Traditionally, the Katha Chirat (log sawing) ritual for the upcoming Ratha Yatra of Lord Jagannath is also performed on this auspicious day.
Background and Significance
The Ratha Yatra, a grand chariot festival, is celebrated annually in Puri, Odisha, to honor Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra. The construction of the three chariots for the Holy Trinity is a crucial part of the festival preparations.
According to tradition, the logs used for the chariots must be sourced from specific types of trees (Daru and Dhaura) that are considered sacred. The Katha Chirat ritual marks the beginning of the process of obtaining and preparing these logs.
Traditional Rituals and Process
Members of the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee perform the traditional rituals at the Forest Department's sawmill in Cuttack. The Chief Minister of Odisha is also present to witness the occasion.
The log sawing is carried out daily between 6am and 9am, starting on Ram Navami. The logs are sawn into planks, which are then used to construct the three chariots. This process typically takes around three months to complete.
Historical Significance
The Katha Chirat ritual has been a long-standing tradition in Puri. It is believed that the practice dates back to the 6th century, when the original temple of Lord Jagannath was built.
Over the centuries, the ritual has evolved and become an integral part of the Ratha Yatra celebrations. It signifies the beginning of the sacred journey and the symbolic construction of the chariots that will carry the deities during the festival.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
Q: What is the significance of Ram Navami in the context of Ratha Yatra? A: Ram Navami is the traditional day for the commencement of the Katha Chirat ritual, which marks the start of the chariot construction process for Ratha Yatra.
Q: Why are specific types of trees used for the chariot construction? A: The Daru and Dhaura trees are considered sacred and are believed to possess special properties that make them suitable for the construction of the divine chariots.
Q: How long does the log sawing process take? A: The log sawing and preparation of the planks typically takes around three months to complete.
Q: Who performs the Katha Chirat rituals? A: The rituals are performed by members of the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee, along with the Chief Minister of Odisha.
Q: Is the Katha Chirat ritual the same as the Ratha Yatra festival? A: No, the Katha Chirat ritual is a specific event that marks the beginning of the chariot construction process, while the Ratha Yatra festival is a grand celebration centered around the pulling of the chariots by devotees.
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