BE 12: Ratha Yatra – The Grand Chariot Journey of Bhagwan Jagannath

From the serene anticipation of Anasara, where bhakts’ hearts burn with longing for Bhagwan Jagannath, Balabhadraji, and Subhadraji, Puri erupts into a vibrant celebration on June 27, 2025, with the Ratha Yatra—the grand chariot festival that carries Shri Krishna’s love to the world. Bada Danda, Puri’s sacred street, transforms into a river of bhakti, alive with the thunder of drums, the clanging of cymbals, and the intoxicating scent of sandalwood incense. Thousands of bhakts, their saffron robes fluttering, pull the ropes of three colossal chariots, their voices roaring “Jai Jagannath!” as the deities’ radiant faces shine atop, their lotus-like eyes blessing all. Ratha Yatra, the pinnacle of bhakti, weaves a vibrant tapestry of Hinduism’s colors—crimson, yellow, green—uniting hearts in Jagannathji’s universal love, a divine beacon in Kali Yuga.

The Grand Procession on Bada Danda

As dawn paints Puri’s sky in hues of pink and gold, the Jagannath Temple’s Singhadwara (Lion Gate) sparkles with marigold garlands, their golden petals swaying in the sea breeze. The Pahandi ritual begins, with Daitapatis, their faces glowing with devotion, carrying Jagannathji, Balabhadraji, and Subhadraji to their chariots. The air pulses with conch shells’ deep hum and the rhythmic beat of mridangams, as Jagannathji, draped in crimson and gold silks, sways gently, His large eyes twinkling like stars. Balabhadraji, in white, stands tall with divine strength, while Subhadraji, golden and serene, smiles like a loving sister. Bhakts weep, their hearts overflowing, as the deities ascend their towering chariots, the scent of jasmine garlands mingling with the crowd’s fervent chants.

The chariots, masterpieces of sacred craftsmanship, dominate Bada Danda:

Nandighosa (Jagannathji): 45 feet high, with 16 wheels, adorned with crimson and yellow canopies, its golden spire gleaming under the sun, the creak of its wheels like a divine song.Taladhwaja (Balabhadraji): 44 feet high, with 14 wheels, draped in green and red silks, its banner fluttering like a protective shield, the air carrying neem wood’s earthy scent.Darpadalana (Subhadraji): 43 feet high, with 12 wheels, adorned in black and red cloth with lotus motifs, its gentle sway evoking a sister’s tender embrace.

The Chhera Pahanra ritual follows, where the Gajapati Maharaj, Puri’s king, sweeps the chariots with a golden broom, his saffron turban glowing in the sunlight. The soft bristles’ sound blends with bhakts’ cries of “Hari Bol!” a humble act of bhakti that echoes Jagannathji’s message of equality, uniting king and commoner. As thousands grip the thick ropes, the chariots begin to roll, their wheels rumbling like thunder, the air alive with crimson banners, emerald garlands, and the joyous roar of “Jai Jagannath!”

The Sacred Journey and Stops

The journey to Gundicha Temple, 3 kilometers away, is a divine homecoming, believed to be Jagannathji’s visit to His aunt’s garden abode. The procession, vibrant with bhakti, moves slowly, taking approximately 4 to 6 hours to reach Gundicha Temple, depending on the crowd and divine will, as the chariots often pause, as if Jagannathji lingers to bless His bhakts. The route along Bada Danda includes significant stops, each steeped in spiritual reverence:

Samadhi of Bhakt Salbeg: A sacred pause near the Samadhi of Bhakt Salbeg, where the chariots halt briefly, the air tingling with the devotion of countless bhakts who offer prayers, the scent of incense swirling around the site.Mausi Maa Temple: Jagannathji’s chariot pauses at the temple of Ardhasani (Mausi Maa), where bhakts offer prayers, the air filled with the fragrance of lotus flowers and the soft chant of mantras.Balagandi Square: The chariots stop at this bustling junction, where bhakts shower the deities with offerings of flowers and coconut, the ground colorful with scattered petals, the air echoing with kirtans.

Each stop feels like a divine embrace, as bhakts crowd around, their hands touching the ropes, their eyes fixed on Jagannathji’s radiant face. The chariots’ slow, majestic sway, guided by Shri Krishna’s will, fills Puri with a vibrant energy, the sea’s roar blending with the festival’s fervor.

Pauranic Significance and Stories

Ratha Yatra is steeped in Puri’s Pauranic history, a divine journey rooted in Shri Krishna’s boundless love:

The Gundicha Journey: The Skanda Purana recounts that Ratha Yatra mirrors Shri Krishna’s visits to Vrindavan, where He met Shri Radha and the gopis, their love filling the air with flute melodies. Jagannathji’s journey to Gundicha Temple is a homecoming, His chariot pausing to embrace all, the scent of jasmine lingering in the breeze.Shri Krishna’s Promise: A Pauranic tale says Jagannathji vowed to leave His temple annually to meet all bhakts, rich or poor, pure or impure. His lotus eyes, gazing from Nandighosa, fulfill this promise, uniting all in Kali Yuga, the chariot’s creak a divine heartbeat.The Halting Chariot: A story tells of Jagannathji’s chariot stopping, unmoved by thousands pulling, until a humble bhakt offered a coconut with pure bhakti. The chariot rolled again, the air tingling with the coconut’s crack and the crowd’s joyous cries.The Spiritual Heart of Ratha Yatra

Ratha Yatra is a divine call to the soul, breaking barriers of caste, creed, and status. The festival weaves Hinduism’s vibrant unity—Vaishnavas chant Shri Krishna’s name, tribal bhakts offer wildflowers, and all join under the golden Neelachakra, their voices rising in bhajans. The air sparkles with sandalwood’s scent, crimson banners, and emerald garlands, as Jagannathji’s gaze cleanses every heart. In Kali Yuga, when faith wavers, Ratha Yatra reminds bhakts that Shri Krishna’s love is accessible, each tug of the rope a step closer to His embrace. The vibrant colors—saffron robes, green canopies, golden silks—shine like a beacon, guiding all to Jagannathji’s mercy.

To capture this divine journey, let us turn to an Odia verse from traditional Jagannath bhakti poetry, sung on Puri’s sacred streets:

Odia Verse (Devanagari):
रथयात्रा प्रेम संनादति, जगन्नाथ भक्ति हृदये जागे।
विश्वं सर्वं एकत्र भासति, श्रीमन्दिरे दीप्तं प्रकाशति॥

Poetic English Translation:
Ratha Yatra’s love does softly sing, Jagannath’s bhakti wakes the heart,
The world as one in light does glow, in Shri Mandir’s radiant art.

Meaning of the Verse:
This verse celebrates Ratha Yatra as a festival of love, awakening bhakti in every heart. It unites the world in divine light, making Shri Mandir a beacon in Kali Yuga, guiding bhakts to Shri Krishna’s eternal embrace.

As the chariots reach Gundicha Temple, under Puri’s starry sky, bhakts sing bhajans, the air alive with incense and conch shells’ chime. The grandeur of Jagannathji, Balabhadraji, and Subhadraji fills every soul. But what sacred rituals unfold during this divine journey? The answer lies in the intricate ceremonies of Ratha Yatra, waiting to weave their vibrant tapestry of bhakti.

This is Blog Episode 12 of Jagannath Series. To read all previous episodes, click on the link below:

https://rimple.in/category/blog-episode-series/jagannath-puri-series

Also Read:

A Miraculous Tale: How a Monkey Saved Hanuman Garhi Temple in 1998

BE 3: The Heartbeat of Bhakti – Rituals and Ceremonies of Pandharpur Wari

BE 11: Anasara – The Divine Rest and Bhakti’s Anticipation

BE 8: Mahaprasad – The Divine Offering of Unity and Love

Vande Mataram: The Soulful Ode to Mother India

BE 10: Snana Yatra – The Celestial Bath of Purification

BE 9: Nabakalebara – The Sacred Renewal of Divine Forms