RATH YATRA OF INDIA

 RATH YATRA FESTIVAL OF INDIA

The world renowned Rathayatra of Lord Jagannath is otherwise called Yatra and Ghosha Yatra. These Festivals are hung on "ASHADHASUKLADWITIYA" ie..the second day of the brilliant fortnight of ashadha (June-July) consistently. This Rathayatra represents that after quite a while of the detachment Lord Shri Krishna is going to Kuruksetra from Dwaraka to meet the occupants of Brindavan. Three unique sizes of chariots are made for this Rathayatra which starts from the Lord Jagannath Temple. The Chariot of the Lord Jagannath is called NANDIGHOSH, the Chariot of Balabhadra is called TALADVAJA, the Chariot of Lady Subhadra is called PADMADHVAJA. But the vessels of Kalasa, which are on top of the chariots, the side Deities, the Charioteers and Horses, the remainder of the entire chariots are made new consistently in understanding to the severe old details. Almost around one great many Devotees are expected to pull these chariots with the assistance of four ropes which are attached to each chariot and has no controlling framework on it.

NANDIGHOSH RATH:- This Chariot is of Lord Jagannath, it is 45ft(13.71mts)high and having sixteen wheels. The texture of the rooftop is in Red and Yellow tone. A wheel is put on the highest point of the chariot. 

TALADVAJA RATH:- This chariot has a place with Balabhadra. The stature of this chariot is 44ft(13.2mts),and comprises of fourteen wheels. The texture shade of the rooftop is Red and Green.Tala natural product is put on top of the chariot. 

PADMADHVAJA RATH:- This is Lady Subhadra's chariot. It is 43ft(12.9mts)in stature and comprise of twelve wheels. The texture of rooftop is in Red and Black tone. 

There are side gods on every one of the chariot as SUDARSHANA is situated by the side of Lady Subhadra in her chariot, MADANMOHANA sits in the Lord Jagannath's chariot, and little divinities of Lord Rama AND KRISHNA sit down in the Balabhadra chariot. In this way complete seven Deities are situated on the three chariots and are pulled by the Devotees by getting the ropes attached to the chariots and taken to the Gundicha Temple which is about 3km away from the primary sanctuary. 

Before Ratha Yatra starts a few Ceremonies are held in primary sanctuary.

They are:- 

(1)SNANAYATRA FESTIVAL:- This function is hung on "Jyesthapurnima", when the fundamental gods along the Sudarsana are brought to the snanamandapa (a stage for washing, Snana implies washing) and are washed arount noontime. 108 pots of water is poured on the Deities. The water is brought from a hallowed well which is unforgettable to the Goddess Sitala. After washing the Deities are put on Elephant covers, which is called as GANESH VESHA. Then, at that point the Deities are offered BHOG (Cooked Food) and ARATHI. The Deities are then returned to the sanctuary in a parade and stay in retirement for fifteen days. The gods are put in the Hallway between the internal and external sanctum in a semi-even position. Here in this function the overall population can see the food Offerings to the Deities, which is unimaginable any time in the year. 

(2)ANAVASARA FESTIVAL:- During these Festivals after Snana Yatra Lord Jagannath become debilitated and experiences fever. He is accordingly moved to his private stay, there He is offered drugs which are ready by the natural product juice. The Dayita (workers of Lord Jagannath) deal with Lord Jagannath. They rest and stay there with the Deity. The word ANAVASARA is utilized when Lord Jagannath isn't found in the sanctuary. 

(3)NIBHRITA FESTIVAL:- The fifteen days time of Resting and Renovation is called NIBRITHA. Respecting the seclusion of his better half Goddess Laxmi,Lord Jagannath lives there in protection appreciating SVAKIYA RASA. Then, at that point by taking her (Goddess Laxmi) authorization Lord Jagannath come out for His Rathayatra.

(4)ANGA-RAGA OR NAVA YAVANA FESTIVAL:- These Festivals are held with the end goal of remodel of the Lord Jagannath body. Subsequent to being washed the assemblage of Lord Jagannath needs repainting, This work is finished by the DAITYAS, which requires fourteen days to finish. Then, at that point the Lord Jagannath Deities is completely reestablished to youth (NAVA YAVANA). 

(5)NETROTSAVA:- This service is acted in the inward altar where the Deities are put in semi-flat position. They have been completely painted, with the exception of their eyes. In this function the eyes of the Deities are painted by their regarded Pujaries and the Puja (love) is begun in the sanctuary. The Deities are as yet similarly situated. 

In the wake of finishing the above said functions the Deities are taken out from the sanctuary and put in their separate chariots on the Rathayatra day. 

The parade of the Deities from the sanctuary to the chariot is the most bright part of the Rathayatra. The Chariots are brought and kept at front of the Simha Dwara, pointing toward the north side before Rathayatra starts. In a customary stately way first Sudarshana is brought from the sanctuary and put on to the Chariot of Lady Subhadra, trailed by Balabhadra first as is senior in the family positioned in his chariot, then, at that point followed Lady Subhadra and Lord Jagannath are set in their separate chariots.

While rescuing the Deities of Balabhadra and Lord Jagannath once again from the sanctuary they are made to swing forward and in reverse in a way called "PAHANDI". As the Deities are very hefty they need numerous tough men to move them. Every Deity is furnished with thick mellow ropes around their body. By taking help from the Pujaries who holds the ropes, the Dayitas(Lord Jagannath workers) move the Deities. As the fundamental Deities show up on their individual chariots ,the little Deities of Lord Rama and Krishna are set on the Balabhadra chariot and Madanmohan Deity is set on Lord Jagannath chariot. All Deities are then revived and offered new laurels. As of now in a Palanquin the ruler of Jagannath Puri shows up and clears the road before the chariots with a brilliant took care of Whisk brush stick and sprinkles the ground with fragrant waters. 

After this Rituals finished the Rathayatra starts with the Balabhadra chariot going first as he is senior. Then, at that point follows chariot of Subhadra and afterward follows chariot of Lord Jagannath. The chariots of Lady Subhadra and Balabhadra reach straightforwardly the Gundicha sanctuary, where as the chariot of Lord Jagannath stops at his Mausima (Aunt's) Goddess Ardhamsini sanctuary. Here the Lord is offered with Poda Pitha(fried cheddar cake). Again the chariot of Lord Jagannath continues towards the Gundicha Temple. Anyway the Rath (chariot) of the Lord Jagannath normally arrives at the Gundicha Temple following day. In the wake of arriving at the Gundicha Temple the Deities take lay on their chariots for one more day ,then, at that point they are taken into the sanctum of the Gundicha Temple. while remaining in the Gundicha sanctuary for seven days the Deities get every one of the standard Rituals same as they used to get in the principle sanctuary.

On the tenth day, fortnight of Ashada the Deities are brought back on to their individual Chariots and the Rath is pulled back to the primary sanctuary, this is known as BAHUDA YATRA. While getting back to the primary sanctuary Lord Jagannath stops again at His "Mausima" Goddess Ardhamsini sanctuary and gets BOGH(Poda Pitha). He then, at that point continues towards the King's royal residence where he has a gathering with Goddess Laxmi and proceeds with his Yatra and the Rathayatra ranges to an end i.e.. to the Lord Jagannath Temple around evening time and go through their night in the Rath till Morning. 

Following day in the first part of the day on BADA EKADASI the Deities are Dressed in the SUNA VESHA(THE GOLDEN-DRESS), Arms and Feet which are made of unadulterated gold are connected to the Deities, and are finished by putting on them the Golden Ornaments and Golden Crowns. This day is viewed as the most favorable day of the celebration. The lovers makes Pradhakshina of the rath(chariot) by moving around the chariots. Following a couple of hours the brilliant decorations are taken out from the Deities and took back to the sanctuary, As common first comes Balabhadra then Subhadra and afterward Lord Jagannath in a conventional parade among tremendous get together of thousands of dedicates. 

Ruler Jagannath faces a difficult stretch when he attempts to go into the sanctuary, as Goddess Laxmi is furious with Lord Jagannath since he went to Rathayatra alongside his Brother and Sister She additionally communicates her annoyance by going to the Gundicha Temple on fifth day of the celebration. The DEVIDASIS (workers of Godess Laxmi) close the Simha Dwara and eventually opens it again yet shuts the Jaya Vijaya Dwara, Hear melodies including discoursed traded among DEVIDASI and DAYITAS. Then, at that point Lord Jagannath advises to Goddess Laxmi in the event that he is permitted to go into the sanctuary He will introduce her such countless blessings, paying attention to this Goddess Laxmi permits Lord Jagannath to go into the Temple. Accordingly Rathayatra is finished.