The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has granted permission for the construction of chariots needed for Rath Yatra, an annual Hindu festival held in Jagannath Puri, Odisha. The decision is coupled with strict guidelines to ensure a completely segregated construction site and adherence to social-distancing norms amid the ongoing pandemic. The Rath Yatra is presently scheduled for 23rd June, 2020.
About the Jagannath Rath Yatra
Ratha Jatra, colloquially referred to as the Chariot Festival, is a significant Hindu celebration associated with Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of gods Vishnu and Krishna. The celebratory event takes place in Puri, Odisha on the second day of Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) of Ashadh, according to the conventional Oriya calendar.
Sustaining over a period of nine days, the festival marks the return of Lord Krishna to Vrindavan accompanied by his brother, Balabhadra, and sister, Subhadra. Their journey is to the Gundicha Temple via Mausi Maa Temple (maternal aunt’s home) near Saradha Bali, Puri.
During the festival, three sacred chariots bearing the idols of the divine trinity— Lord Jagannath, Balaram (Balabhadra), and Subhadra— are enthusiastically drawn by thousands of devotees thronging from India and various foreign locations.
About the Jagannath Temple
The Jagannath Temple is considered to have been erected during the 12th century under the rule of King Anatavarman Chodaganga Deva from the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. The temple, locally known as ‘Yamanika Tirtha,’ holds a key position in Hindu belief systems, as it is believed to negate the power of ‘Yama’, the god of death, due to the residing presence of Lord Jagannath.
The temple has historically earned the title “White Pagoda” and is a part of the revered Char Dham pilgrimages, which are four sacred sites in India— Badrinath, Dwaraka, Puri, Rameswaram.
Structurally, the temple features four gates— ‘Singhdwara’ (Eastern gate), the primary entrance with two crouching lions; ‘Ashwadwara’ (Southern gate); ‘Vyaghra Dwara’ (Western gate); and ‘Hastidwara’ (Northern gate). Each gate is distinguished by a unique carved form.
Additionally, the ‘Aruna stambha’ or sun pillar stands in front of the entrance. This pillar was originally a part of the Sun Temple in Konark and significantly contributes to the grandeur of the Jagannath Temple.
Last Modified: February 7, 2024