Jagannath Rath Yatra Today

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ltelidevara

@ltelidevara

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Posted: 8 years ago

The world famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath at Puri,Odissa is held on' AshadhaSukla Dwitiya' -i.e. the 2nd day of the bright fort-night of Ashadha (June- July) every year. This festival is popularly known as Ratha Yatra, Gundicha Yatra and also Ghosha Yatra. On the Rath Yatra Festival day, the deities are taken out of the temple and placed in their respective chariots, kept near the Singhadwar. The deities are carried to the chariots in a traditional ceremonial manner-first Sudarshana, followed by Balabhadra, Subhadra and Jagannath. Balabhadra and Jagannath are made to swing forward and backward in a manner called 'Pahandi'.

The chariot of Lord Jagannath is known as Nandighosha. It has 16 wheels and the colour of the fabrics that cover the roof of the chariot are red and yellow. The chariot of Lord Balabhadra is known as Taladhwaja. It has 14 wheels and the colours of the fabrics are red and green. Subhadra's chariot 'Devadalana' has 12 wheels and fabrics are red and black. Sudarshan is seated by the side of Subhadra in her chariot. Madanmohan, a representative deity of Jagannath sits in the chariot of Lord Jagannath.

So also two other small idols -Rama and Krishna take their seats in the chariot of Balabhadra. These small idols are made of metal. Thus actually seven deities namely Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra, Sudarshana, Madanmohan, Rama and Krishna are seated on three chariots and moved to a temple known as 'Gundicha Ghar' which is at a distance of about 3 kms from Jagannath Temple. The chariot of Balabhadra is dragged first, followed by those of Subhadra and Jagannath.

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ltelidevara

@ltelidevara

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Posted: 8 years ago

Jagannatha incarnates.

King Indradyumna was a great devotee of Vishnu. He always wished to see the lord live before his eyes. One day a Brahmin came and told him about an incarnation " King Nila Madhav is a form of Lord Vishnu. You will be graced if you find him which is impossible."

Indradyumn called Vidyapathi a learned Brahmin and entrusted the responsibility of finding Nila Madhav. Vidyapathi travelled and reached the eastern part of the country.

Vidyapathi was given shelter by a Sabara called Viswavasu and later married his daughter.

Every afternoon Viswavasu will go away and return after a long time. Vidyapathi observed the marks of Turmeric,sandal paste on his clothes and asked his wife about Viswavasu's secret.

Viswavasu's daughter told him that her father will daily go to worship Nilamadhav." But he asked me not to tell any one " she warned him.

Vidyapathi approached Viswavasu and requested " Please take me to Nilamadhav. My search will bear fruits." After much persuasion Vidyapathi was taken to the secluded spot,blind folded.

( To be continued)

Lakshmi

Edited by ltelidevara - 8 years ago

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ltelidevara

@ltelidevara

Sparkler

+ 8

Posted: 8 years ago

Vidyapati dropped mustard seeds on the way so that he can trace the way to Nila Madhav.

Viswavasu took Vidyapati to Nila Madhav whom he worships every day. Then Viswa Vasu went to collect flowers and fruits.

In the meanwhile Vidyapati heard a Devine voice." Go and inform my whereabouts to Indradyumna"

Viswa Vasu returned and he heard the God say." Till now I am satisfied by your worship. Now I want to be worshipped by King Indradyumna."

Viswavasu was upset. He made Vidyapati his captive for many days. His daughter pleaded with him." Please be graceful. It is God's order. Release him now. He should go to the King ."

Viswavasu finally permitted Vidyapathi to go.

Indradyumna along with Vidyapathi traced the place with the help of small mustard plants.

But no Nilamadhav is found there. Indradyumna thought Viswavasu must have done something.

The Devine voice again spoke." You can't see me as Nilamadhav. Construct my temple here. I will manifest in the form of Daru Brahma.( the manifestation of supreme power in wooden form)

Indradyumna constructed the temple. He then went to Brahma Lok to request him to concecrete the temple and establish the God.

In the mean time the temple got covered by sand. Another King called Galamadhav came there and brought out the temple by removing the sand.

Indradyumna returned with Brahma. Both he and Galamadhav argued regarding the construction of the temple. A crow chanting the name of Rama spoke thus." King Iindradyumna built the temple.

Galamadhav is a liar."

Brahma asked Galamadhav not to enter the temple and stay outside the compound.

Then Brahma performed a sacrifice and concecreted the temple. He then said." King! God will establish himself. I can't do that .I will place a flag on the top ion seeing which devotees will get fulfillment.

Then Brahma established Narasimha swami on one side of the mantap did puja and left.

Afterwards. God instructed Indradyumna." I myself will come as Daru brahma in the sea. Go and fetch me from there. "

Indradyumna went to the spot and saw a very big Daru floating in the sea. When it came to the shore he could see the marks of Sankh,Chakr,Gada .

No one was able to lift that daru brahma.

On the instruction of God Viswavasu was called. A golden chariot was arranged. Then Daru Brahma moved towards the destination.

Indradyumna called many sculptors to carve the form of the God on that wooden piece. But their instruments broke at their very first attempt.

Indradyumna took fast unto death in frustration.

In his dream God assured that he will grace him soon.

An old Brahmin came to the King and said." In twenty one days I will finish the work behind closed doors. No one should disturb me while I do the work"

After fourteen days the King got doubtful. No noise of work in progress.

Indradyumna became impatient and entered inside. There is no trace of the old Brahmin. The forms were left unfinished without toes fingers...

Indradyumna felt shattered. Lord graced him again. He said." I will manifest myself in this unfinished form. People will worship me as Jagannatha and receive my blessings."

Jagannatha the self manifest established himself as daru brahma.

Jagannath,Balabhadra and Subhadra were worshipped by Indradyumna with great devotion.

Narasimha established by Brahma graced the devotees.

Jai Jagannath Jai Subhadra Jai Bala Bhadra

Lakshmi