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The Origins and Significance of the Puri Rath Yatra:
The Puri Rath Yatra holds great significance as it commemorates Lord Jagannath's annual sojourn to his aunt's abode, known as the Gudicha Temple, for a blissful nine-day vacation. Accompanied by his siblings, Lord Balabadhra and Goddess Subhadra, Lord Jagannath enjoy a joyful time at his maternal aunt's house before returning to the Jagannath Temple.
This joyful excursion serves as the foundational essence of the Rath Yatra celebration. The Puri Rath Yatra originated as a tribute to the completion of the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha.
Parts of Puri Rath Yatra
Chandan Yatra:
Undoubtedly, the focal point of the Puri Rath Yatra is the magnificent chariots. Each year, three new wooden chariots are meticulously crafted for the divine trinity of Jagannath, Balabadra, and Subhadra, boasting intricate designs. The construction of these chariots is a process that spans approximately two months. To mark the initiation of this endeavor, a small ceremony known as Chandan Yatra is observed on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya.
The Chariots:
The chariots for the Puri Rath Yatra are a sight to behold. Lord Jagannath's chariot, known as 'Nandighosa,' stands tall at 45.6 feet and features 18 wheels. Balabhadra's chariot, named 'Taladhvaja,' measures 45 feet in height and is equipped with 16 wheels. Subhadra's chariot, named 'Devadalana,' stands at 44.6 feet and showcases 14 wheels. These impressive chariots are a testament to the grandeur of the Rath Yatra celebration.
Significance of Devasnan Purnima:
Devasnan Purnima, also known as the Bathing Yatra, is a sacred bathing ceremony where the temple deities, Lord Jagannath, Goddess Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra, are bathed. This significant ritual is celebrated with great enthusiasm by Lord Jagannath's devotees on the auspicious day of the full moon in the month of Jyestha, according to the Hindu calendar. It takes place just before the renowned Rath Yatra of the Jagannath Temple in Puri.
During this ceremony, the idols of the deities are taken out of the Ratnasimhasan of the temple in a procession witnessed by thousands of devotees. They are then brought to the bathing altar, which is known as the Pahandi procession.
Following the bathing ritual, a period called "Anasara" or "Anavasara" begins, starting from Jyestha Purnima and concluding on Ashadh Amavasya. During this time, the deities fall ill and remain in seclusion for 15 days, away from public view.
The bathing process itself is special, with priests performing specific rituals and using 108 pots of herbal and scented water to bathe the deities. A special offering, known as "bhog," is also prepared for the Lord.
After the bathing rituals, the deities are adorned in the "Sada Besha" attire. In the afternoon, they are dressed as "Hathi Besha," resembling Lord Ganesha. In the evening, the deities appear before devotees during the "Sahanamela" session.
Following Sahanmela, the deities retire to Anasar for rest and treatment. During this period, only fruits, water mixed with "Dashmool" and herbal medicines are offered to them, accompanied by secret rituals performed by the priests to aid in their healing.
After 15 days, the beautifully adorned idols of Lord Jagannath, Goddess Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra, known as Nabajobana Besha, are revealed to the public during the Nabajobana Darshan, a day before the famous Rath Yatra.
During the Anasara period, traditional Pattachitra paintings of the three deities, namely Shri Anant Narayan as Lord Jagannath, Maa Bhubaneswar as Devi Subhadra, and Shri Anant Vasudev as Lord Balabhadra, are worshipped as substitutes for the idols.
This year, Devasnan Purnima, or the Bathing Yatra was observed on Sunday, 4th June, which means the Jagannath festival will be celebrated on 20th June.
