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Festivals, Dances, Theatre, Literature, Art in News

Puri Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath

Why in the News?

The annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath at Puri, Odisha, has begun today.

About Rath Yatra:

  • About: Rath Yatra is an annual Hindu chariot festival celebrated in Puri, Odisha, in honour of Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu.
  • Legend: The festival commemorates the journey of Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, their birthplace.
  • Occurrence: It is held on the second day of Ashadha Shukla Paksha (June–July), according to the Odia calendar.
  • Procession: The deities are placed in three massive wooden chariots and pulled by devotees along the Grand Road (Bada Danda) for about 3 km.
  • Significance: It is one of the four sacred pilgrimages (Char Dham) in Hinduism and allows non-Hindus to have darshan of the deities, unlike entry to the temple.

Key Events of the Rath Yatra:

  • Pahandi Bije: The ceremonial procession where the deities are carried from the temple to the chariots.
  • Chhera Panhara: A ritual where the Puri King sweeps the chariots with a golden broom, signifying humility and equality.
  • Three Chariot Pulling: Devotees pull the chariots—Nandighosa (Jagannath), Taladhwaja (Balabhadra), and Darpadalan (Subhadra)—toward Gundicha Temple.
  • Bahuda Yatra: The return journey to the Jagannath Temple, held on the 10th day of Ashadha Shukla Paksha.
  • Poda Pitha Offering: The deities are offered traditional cakes at Mausimaa Temple during their return.
  • Suna Besha: On return, the deities are adorned with gold ornaments on their chariots.
  • Niladri Bije: Final ritual where the deities re-enter the sanctum; marks the end of the Rath Yatra.
  • Rasagola Divas: Devotees offer Rasagola sweets to Goddess Lakshmi to appease her for not being included in the journey.

Back2Basics: Jagannath Puri Temple

  • The Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, is a major Vaishnavite shrine dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Sri Krishna.
  • The current structure was rebuilt starting in the 10th century by Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga dynasty.
  • The temple showcases the Oriya style of architecture, known for sculptural richness and graceful forms.
  • It spans over 400,000 sq. ft., enclosed by the 20-foot-high Meghanada Pacheri.
  • An inner wall, called Kurma Bedha, surrounds the main sanctum.
  • Main Structural Sections:
    1. Deula/Vimana/Garba Griha: Sanctum sanctorum housing the deities on the Ratnavedi, built in Rekha Deula style.
    2. Mukhashala: The frontal porch.
    3. Nata Mandir/Jagamohan: The audience or dancing hall.
    4. Bhoga Mandapa: The hall of offerings.

 

[UPSC 2009] Mahamastakabhisheka, a great religious event, is associated with and done for who of the following?

Options: (a) Bahubali * (b) Buddha (c) Mahavir (d) Nataraja

 

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