Police personnel have been deployed in Puri to manage security and traffic for the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, starting June 27, which is expected to draw over 30 lakh devotees.

• Puri is revered as one of the char dham (four abodes) where Lord Jagannath is worshipped.

About the Ratha Yatra

• According to Hindu mythology, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra go on a nine-day sojourn to their birthplace Gundicha Temple, staying there until the Bahuda Yatra, which falls on July 5 this year.
• The Yatra commemorates their journey from the 12th-century Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, believed to be their aunt’s home.
  • Goddess Ardhasini, also known as Mausima, is considered their aunt.
• The Rath Yatra takes place on the second day of the Odia month of Ashadha Shukla Tithi (bright fortnight) every year.

Religious Beliefs

• It is believed that witnessing the deities on their chariots cleanses people of their sins and grants salvation.
• The Bamadeva Samhita states that those who see the deities at Gundicha Temple for a week attain Baikuntha (heaven)along with their ancestors.
• As non-Hindus are not allowed inside the Jagannath Temple, Rath Yatra allows foreign devotees to see the deities.
• The Lord is believed to step out of his sanctum to meet all his devotees during Rath Yatra, symbolising inclusiveness.

Rituals associated with the Ratha yatra

• Chhera Panhara: Performed by Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb, the Puri king. He sweeps the chariot floors with a golden broom, symbolising equality, humility, and dignity of labour.
• Bahuda Yatra (Return Journey): Held on Ashadha Shukla Dasami (10th day). Deities are offered Poda Pitha (rice cake) at the Mausimaa Temple.
• Suna Besha (Golden Attire): Occurs a day after Bahuda Yatra. Deities are adorned with gold crowns, arms, and legs in front of the Lion’s Gate.
• Niladri Bije (Homecoming): Takes place on the 12th day of Ashadha, marking the end of Rath Yatra. Deities return to the sanctum sanctorum in the pahandi ritual.
• Rasagola Divas: Celebrated on Niladri Bije day. Rasagola sweets are offered to Goddess Laxmi to appease her for not being taken on the chariots.

Jagannath Temple

• It is a temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Vishnu, in Puri.
• The present temple was built in the 12th century and begun by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva, first of the Eastern Ganga dynasty.
• The image of Jagannath is made of wood and is ceremoniously replaced periodically by an exact replica.
• It is built in the Kalinga style of architecture, with the Pancharatha (Five chariots) and is built on an elevated platform.
• Jagannath Puri temple is called ‘Yamanika Tirtha’ where, according to the Hindu beliefs, the power of ‘Yama’, the god of death has been nullified in Puri due to the presence of Lord Jagannath.
  • This temple was called the “White Pagoda”

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