The Chariot Festival, also popularly known as Rath Yatra, is a major festival celebrated by Hindu devotees in India. It marks the occasion when Lord Jagannath, his siblings, Lord Balbhadra and Goddess Subhadra, journey on their grand chariots through the streets of Puri, a city known as Jagannath Puri, one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites. This year, the Jagannath Temple is poised to host the 147nd Rath Yatra.
For worshippers, Rath Yatra appears to be a single-day event, but it actually spans eleven days, celebrated in the month of Ashadha according to the Indian calendar. On this auspicious day, Lord Jagannath, also known as Patitapaban, meaning the savior of the downtrodden, leaves his sacred home to bless the people. This is believed to absolve devotees of their sins.
Rath Yatra is considered the second-largest religious gathering after the Kumbh Mela. During this festival, the deities' chariots, each distinct and grand, are pulled by devotees through the city, creating a spectacular and spiritual atmosphere.
Rath Yatra in Puri spans eleven days, starting from the day of the Rath Yatra to Niladri Vijaya when the deities return to the temple. The event sees the largest gathering of devotees on the days the chariots are pulled, specifically on the Rath Yatra day and the Bahuda Yatra, also known as the ‘return car festival’. This period is unique as it offers everyone access to the deities.
During the festival, the three temple deities—Jagannath, Subhadra, and Balabhadra—ride in separate chariots, hence the name Festival of Chariots. These chariots are known as Nandighosha, Taladhwaja, and Devadalana, each with its own set of wheels.
Each year, new chariots are constructed for the three deities using wood, even though the design remains consistent. Each chariot is adorned with four wooden horses. It is believed that the trees used for these chariots have specific characteristics and signs, as identified by the primary priests.
It is said that when devotees initially attempt to pull Lord Jagannath's chariot, it remains stationary despite the efforts of hundreds pushing and pulling. The chariot only begins to move after several hours of the festival and collective, cosmic efforts.
A week before the Rath Yatra, the doors of the Jagannath Temple are closed. This period is believed to be a time when Lord Jagannath rests due to a high fever. After a week of rest, the Yatra commences.
The flag atop the Jagannath Temple defies natural wind patterns by flying in the opposite direction of the wind. This phenomenon lacks any scientific explanation and remains a unique feature of the temple.
Every day, a priest ascends the temple walls, which are equivalent in height to a 45-storey building, to change the flag on the temple dome. This tradition dates back to the temple's construction and is performed without any safety equipment. It is believed that if this ritual is skipped even for a day, the temple will close for 18 years.
At any time of the day and from any direction, the Jagannath Temple casts no shadow. This could be either an extraordinary architectural achievement or a divine message from Lord Jagannath.
The Sudarshan Chakra atop the temple presents two unsolved mysteries. First, how the heavy metal structure, weighing about a tonne, was placed at the temple's pinnacle without modern machinery. Second, the Chakra appears identical from every direction, showcasing an architectural technique that remains unexplained by science.
History and culture are the essence of the Hindu spirit, making this tradition truly remarkable. These fascinating and evident facts invite everyone to reflect on their significance. Be sure to explore these wonders on your next visit to Odisha and share your experiences with us.
