The annual festival of Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra, much anticipated and revered by devotees across India and abroad, commenced on July 4 from the famous Jagannath Puri Temple. The festival, a significant date in the Oriya calendar, marks a nine-day journey of deities to the temple of Queen Gundicha. The unique aspect of this festival is the nullification of death’s power in the presence of Lord Jagannath, according to Hindu beliefs.
The Festival Time and its Significance
Rath Yatra is traditionally celebrated on the second day of Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of Ashadh, the third month as per the traditional Oriya calendar. The festival of Lord Jagannath, his sibling Balaram (Balabhadra), and Subhadra being taken out on grand chariots is a spectacle of devotion that lasts nine days.
During this time, the deities visit the temple of Queen Gundicha, regarded as their aunt’s house. Devotees believe that these holy sojourns to Queen Gundicha’s temple symbolise the deity family’s enjoyment of a brief stay away from their usual abode. The festival carries the significance of honouring Lord Jagannath’s journey with his siblings, which is celebrated with fervor and enthusiasm by countless devotees.
Jagannath Puri Temple – A Tirtha Nullifying Yama’s Power
The term ‘Yamanika Tirtha’ is designated to the Jagannath Puri Temple, implying a place where Yama’s power – the God of Death in Hindu mythology – is considered nullified due to the presence of Lord Jagannath. This temple’s belief adds an aura of invincibility and divine protection for the devotees who offer their prayers here.
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Date of Celebration | Second Day of Shukla Paksha of Ashadh month (Oriya Calendar) |
| Main Deities Honoured | Lord Jagannath, his brother Balaram (Balabhadra) and sister Subhadra |
| Duration of Festival | Nine days |
| Significance of the Temple | Yamanika Tirtha – A place nullifying the power of Yama, the God of Death |
| Primary Destination during the Festival | Temple of Queen Gundicha |
The Architecture of the Puri Temple
The Puri temple, home to Lord Jagannath, stands majestic with four gates. Each of the gates is adorned with a unique carving, symbolising the gate’s name. The Eastern gate, known as ‘Singhdwara’ or Lion Gate, is the main entrance into the temple, characterised by two crouching lions.
Next comes the Southern gate or ‘Ashwadwara’, the Western gate known as ‘Vyaghradwara’, and the Northern ‘Hastidwara’. Each gate is distinct in its architecture and symbolism, providing a panoramic view of the craftsmanship prevalent during its construction.
An interesting feature of this temple is the Aruna stambha or sun pillar, which stands tall in front of the entrance. It originally belonged to the Sun Temple in Konark and adds to the aesthetic and spiritual grandeur of the Jagannath Puri temple. This temple’s architecture reflects the rich traditions and faith associated with the annual Rath Yatra.
