Jagannath Temple, Puri – Festivals

Jagannath Temple, Puri – Festivals

There are elaborate daily worship services. There are many festivals each year attended by millions of people. The most important festival is the Rath Yatra or the Chariot festival in June. This spectacular festival includes a procession of three huge chariots bearing the idols of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra through the Bada Danda meaning the Grand Avenue of Puri till their final destination the Gundicha Temple.

Early European observers told tales of devotees being crushed under the wheels of these chariots, whether by accident or even as a form of meritorious suicide akin to suttee. These reports gave rise to the loan word juggernaut suggesting an immense, unstoppable, threatening entity or process operated by fanatics.

Festivals celebrated in this temple are listed below;

Pana Sankranti / Maha Bisuba Sankranti:

Special Nitis are performed in the Temple on this day. The day marks the beginning of the Oriya New Year.

Chandan Yatra:

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/01/jagannath-temple-puri-chandan-yatra.html

Niladri Mahodaya (Adhibasa):

The festival s observed on the 8th day of the bright fort night of Baisakh. One hundred and eight pots of consecrated water are offered to the Deities and other Nitis are performed.

Jalakrida:

This is celebrated on

a)   11^th day of black fort night of Jyestha

b)   New moon day of Jyestha

c)   6^th day of bright fort night of Jyestha

d)   1^st day of bright fort night of Jyestha

Narasingha Janma:

It is celebrated on the 14^th day of the bright fort night of Baisakh when the image of Narasingha is taken in procession to Jagannathballav where some Nitis are performed and after that the deity returns to the Temple.

Sital Sashti:

The 6^th day of bright fort Night of Jyestha. The images of Dola Govinda and Pancha Pandava Siva are taken to the Temple of Lakshmi where a ceremony is performed.

Rajendraviseka:

The 10^th day of the bright fort night of Jyestha. Lord Jagannath has his Abhisheka and the proposal of his marriage with Rukmini is broached.

Rukmini Harana:

It is celebrated on the 11^th day of the bright fort night of Jyestha.

Champak Dwadasi:

It is celebrated on 13^th day of bright fort night of Jyestha.

Entering of Daita Patis:

It is celebrated on 13^th day of bright fort night of Jyestha.

Snana Yatra:

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/01/jagannath-temple-puri-snana-yatra.html

Fulari Lagi:

It is celebrated on 5^th day of black fort night of Asadha.

Chaka Bije:

It is celebrated on 10^th black fort night of Asadha.

Chandan Lagi:

It is celebrated on 11^th black fort night of Asadha.

Dwadasi & Raj Prasad Bije:

It is celebrated on the 12^th black fort night of Asadha.

Ghana Lagi & Sri Payar Mudra:

It is celebrated on the 13^th black fort night of Asadha.

Chaka Apasar Lagi:

It is celebrated on 13^th black fort night of Asadha.

Anasara:

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/01/jagannath-temple-puri-anasara.html

Nabakalebara:

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/01/jagannath-temple-puri-nabakalebara.html

Netrotsava / Nava Yauvana Darshan:

On the concluding day of Anasara i.e. Asadha Amavasya, the deities decked in their finest robes and ornaments appear before devotees. The festival of re appearance of Jagannath after Anasara is called Nava Yauvana or fresh youth. The ceremony of giving finishing touches to the eyes of the deities is called Netrotsava.

Ratha Yatra:

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/01/jagannath-temple-puri-ratha-yatra.html

Hera Panchami:

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/01/jagannath-temple-puri-hera-panchami.html

Bahuda Yatra:

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/01/jagannath-temple-puri-ratha-yatra.html

Suna Vesha:

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/01/jagannath-temple-puri-suna-besha.html

Hari Sayan / Sayana Ekadasi:

This is the Sayana utsav (sleeping ceremony) of the Lord. Sri Hari Sayan festival of Lord Jagannath is observed on the Ashadha Sukla Ekadashi (June–July). This takes place in the month of Ashadha, after the completion of ‘Return-Ceremony' of the Lords, from the Gundicha Ghar. On this occasion, the images of the Vasudeva, Bhubaneswari and Narayana are taken in a procession to the Chariots. After some temple rites are performed there, these images are taken to the chamber of slumber for enjoying complete rest.

Garuda Sayana Dwadasi:

The ceremony is performed on the 12^th day of the bright fortnight of Asadha.

Adhar Pana on Rath:

It is celebrated on 12^th day of bright fortnight of Asadha.

Niladri Bije:

Niladri Bije, celebrated in the Hindu calendar month Asadha (June–July) on Trayodashi (13th day), marks the end of the Ratha Yatra. The large wooden images of the triad of gods are taken out from the chariots and then carried to the sanctum sanctorum, swaying rhythmically; a ritual which is known as pahandi. Lord Jagannath offers Rasgulla to goddess Laxmi to enter into the temple.

Karkata Sankranti / Dakhinayan Yatra:

As the Sun begins to move to the autumnal equinox, a festival called as Dakhinayan Yatra is observed.

Chitalagi Amavasya:

On the new moon day in the month of Shravan the Gold and Stone sets Chitas moved from the deities during Snana Yatra are again put on them.

Badi Narasingh Bije:

It is celebrated on 9^th day of bright fortnight of Shravan.

Jhulan Yatra:

It is celebrated in the Temple from the Shravan Shukla Dasami up to Pratipada. Madan Mohan, the utsava idol of Jagannath along with Saraswathi and Lakshmi are placed on a decorated swings in Jhulan Mandap and crowds of Pilgrims congregate in the Temple to see the Festival. Different Mathas of Puri also celebrate this festival with great pomp and grandeur.

Gamhapurnima / Balabhadra Janma:

On the full moon day in the month of Shravana nitis are performed to celebrate the birthday of Balabhadra. The deities wear gold and silken rachis.

Rahurekha Lagi:

The deities wear ornaments for the forehead on the 5^th lunar day of the dark fortnight of Balabhadra.

Krishna Janma:

It is celebrated in the Temple on the 8^th day of the dark fortnight of Baraga. On this day ceremonies regarding the birth of Lord Krishna are performed.

Nandotsav:

It is celebrated on 9^th day of black fortnight of Bhadraba.

Bana Bhoji Vesha:

It is celebrated on 10^th day of black fortnight of Bhadraba.

Kaliya Dalan Vesha:

It is celebrated on 11^th day of black fortnight of Bhadraba.

Palmbasur Badha Vesha:

It is celebrated on 12^th day of black fortnight of Bhadraba.

Krishna Balaram Vesha:

It is celebrated on 13^th day of black fortnight of Bhadraba.

Saptapuri Amavasya:

The new moon day of Bhadraba. On this day quantities of sweets known as Saptapuri Tada are offered to the Deities.

Dabagni:

It is celebrated on 12^th day of bright fortnight of Bhadraba.

Nikunja Lila:

It is celebrated on 12^th day of bright fortnight of Bhadraba.

Ganesh Chathurthi:

The 4^th day of the bright fortnight in the month of Bhadraba. Panji Puja is done at Saraswathi Temple and various Pujas are performed in the Temple of Ganesh.

Rekha Panchami:

It is celebrated on 5^th day of the bright fortnight in the month of Bhadraba.

Krishna Lila:

It is celebrated on 6^th and 7^th day of bright fortnight of Bhadraba.

Radhastami:

It is celebrated on 8^th day of the bright fortnight in the month of Bhadraba is celebrated as the birthday of Sri Radha. On this day nitis are performed by taking out Shri Sudarshan to the four Ashrams.

Labani Khia:

It is celebrated on 10^th day of bright fortnight of Bhadraba.

Paarshwa Parivartana:

On the Hanosara day of the 11th day of the bright fortnight of in the month of Bhadraba, the Parsvaparivartan (Turning of Sides) festival is performed. On this day at evening after the usual rituals, the God is requested to change the side.

Bamana Janma:

Various nitis are performed relating to the birth of Bamana on the 12^th day of the bright fortnight of Bhadraba. Sunia is also marks the beginning of the Oriya New Year.

Anantha Chaturdasi:

On the 14^th day of the bright fortnight in the month of Bhadraba, the ceremony is performed in Sri Ananta Basudeva Temple.

Indra Govinda Puja:

The Puja is celebrated on Bhadraba Purnima, the full moon day in the month of Bhadraba.

Sahasra Kumbha Abhisheka:

Aswina Krushna Ashtami that is the 8^th day of the dark fortnight of Aswina. Abhisheka of Goddess Durga is done at Majana Mandapa and from this day Shola Puja is performed in the Temple of Bimala and other Goddesses.

Dusshera:

On the 10^th day of the bright fortnight in the month of Aswina. Ayudha Puja and Vijaya Dasami celebrations are performed.

Dwitiya Osha:

It is performed by Goddess Lakshmi in her Temple.

Karthika Brata:

This is also called as the starting of Radha Damodar Besha and starts from the beginning of 11^th day of bright fortnight of Aswina.

Kumar Purnima:

On the full moon day in the month of Aswina the Sevakas representing Sri Jagannath and Sri Lakshmi play dice.

Hari Uthapana Ekadasi:

This festival takes place on the 11th day of the bright fortnight in the month of Kartika. The gods are awakened from the divine slumber. The festival is also called Probadhana Yatra or rising ceremony.

Garuda Uthapana Dwadasi:

This is performed on the 12^th day of the bright fortnight of full moon of Kartika.

Panchak Vesha:

It is celebrated beginning of 11^th day of bright fortnight to Full Moon of Kartika.

Navanna:

Various extra Bhogas are offered on this occasion. There is no fixed day for this festival, but it is fixed by the Temple Astrologer according to the stars of Sri Jagannath.

Prathamastami:

The 8^th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Margashira when Bandapana is done.

Deepavali:

Celebrated for three days from Margashira Krishna Chaturdashi to Shukla Pratipada, Jagannath as incarnation of Sri Ram offers pinda to king Dasarath. On the second day as Krishna he offers Pinda to his original parents Basudev and Devaki and on the third day he offered Pinda to his foster parents Nanda and Jashoda

Odhana Shashti:

Odhana Shashti takes place in the 6th day of the bright fortnight in the month of Margashirsha. This is also called as Pravarana Shashti. From this day, Ghodalagi begins, i.e. the Deities are dressed in winter garments

Pandu Purnima:

It is celebrated on full moon day of Margashira.

Dhanu Sankranti:

Pahali Bhoga begins from the day on Dhanu Sankranti to Makara Sankranti.

Bakul Amabasya:

On Pausa Amabasya, special Bhogas including Gaintha are offered to the Deities.

Pusyabhisheka:

Nitis such as Adhibasa are performed on the full moon day in the month of Pausa. Pots filled with perfumed water are taken from Bhoga Mandap to the Ratna Vedi. This Abhisheka is performed for the representatives deities like Rama, Sita and Lakshman for which is also known as Ramabhiseka.

Nabanki:

It is celebrated on the previous day of Makar Sankranti.

Makar Sankranti:

This is also called as Uttarayani Yatra and is performed on the Makar Sankranti day when the Sun moves towards Vernal Equinox.

Padma Vesha:

It is celebrated on Tuesday or Saturday between new moon of Magha to Basanta Panchami.

Basanta Panchami:

Panji Puja is done in the Saraswathi Temple and there is some modification in Ghodalagi that is in the winter garments worn by the Deities.

Tila Saptami:

It is celebrated on the 7^th day of bright fortnight of Magha.

Bhouma Ekadasi:

It is celebrated on the 11^th day of bright fortnight of Magha.

Magha Purnima:

Gajauddharana Vesha takes place on this day.

Shiva Ratri:

Hari Hara Bheta takes place at Sri Lokanath Temple.

Benta / Sikar:

This festival is performed on the 1^st, 4^th, 8^th, and 12^th day of the bright fortnight to Phalguna. On these days the image of Dola Govinda is taken to Jagannathballav Matha, which is known as the pleasure garden of Jagannath, and coconuts are struck with arrows by some sevakas symbolizing Mrugaya.

Dola Yatra:

It is performed during the period from Phalguna Dasami, the 10th day of the bright Phalguna to the Purnima or Full Moon day. The representative deities Dologobinda, Bhoodevi and Sreedevi are taken in a procession to Dolabedi located outside the outer compound wall of the main Temple and special rites are performed. This is also known as Vasant Utsav. Fagu or Red powder is sprinkled on the Deities.

Agni Utsava:

It is celebrated on the 14^th of bright fortnight of Phalguna.

Holi:

It is celebrated on 1^st black fortnight of Chaitra.

Chaitra Gunducha:

A festival is observed on the 6^th day of the bright fortnight of Chaitra in the Sun Temple inside the Temple Premise.

Ashokastami:

It is celebrated on the 8^th day of the bright fortnight of Chaitra. Sri Bhandar Lokanath is taken in a procession to the Temple of Isanesvara Mahadeva where certain ceremonies are performed. The Deity turns to the Temple after attending to some Nitis at Jagannathballava.

Rama Navami / Sahi Yatra:

The Sahi Yatra, considered the world's biggest open-air theatre, is an annual event lasting 11 days; a traditional cultural theatre festival or folk drama which begins on Ram Navami, celebration of the birth of Sri Rama on the 9th day of the bright Fortnight of Chaitra and ends on Rama avishke (anointing). The festival includes plays depicting various scenes from the Ramayana. The residents of various localities, or Sahis, are entrusted the task of performing the drama at the street corners.

Yagnya Rakshya:

It is celebrated on the 10th of bright fortnight of Chaitra.

Sita Vivah:

It is celebrated on 11th day of the bright fortnight of Chaitra.

Banabasa:

It is celebrated on the 12^th day of bright fortnight of Chaitra.

Damanaka Chori / Damanak Lagi:

The festival is celebrated on the 13th day and 14th day of the bright fortnight of Chaitra. The Deities Rama and Krishna are taken in a procession to Jagannath Vallabha Matha from where a scented plant called Dayana is stealthily brought and on the next day offered to the Deities.

Lanka Podi:

It is celebrated on full moon day of Chaitra.

Setu Badha:

It is celebrated on 1^st day of black fortnight of Baisakha.

Ravana Badha:

It is celebrated on 2^nd day of black fortnight of Baisakha.

Rama Abhisheka:

It does not occur on a particular day. It is calculated per the position of the stars.

Shodasa Dinatmaka:

The annual Shodasa dinatmaka or 16 day puja beginning 8 days prior to Mahalaya of Ashwin month for goddess Vimala and ending on Vijaya Dashami, is of great importance. As per tradition, the i utsava Murti of Lord Madan Mohan and Vimala is taken on a tour of the temple premises. The tour within the temple is observed for the first eight days. For the next eight days, the idols are taken outside the temple on a palanquin to the nearby Narayani temple situated in the Dolamandapa lane. After their worship, they are brought back to the temple.

Samudra Arati:

Samudra Arati is a daily tradition started by the present Shankaracharya 9 years ago. The daily practice includes prayer and fire offering to the sea at Swargadwar in Puri by disciples of the Govardhan Matha. On Paush Purnima of every year the Shankaracharya himself comes out to offer prayers to the sea.

Panchaka:

The last five days of the month of Kartika are traditionally known as the Bhishma Panchaka or the Vaka Panchaka. According to Oriya Ramayana written by Balarama Das it is said that if one is capable, one should observe fasting from certain foodstuffs on the Bhishma Panchaka for the pleasure of the Vishnu. The Padma Purana say that one pleases Vishnu and makes spiritual advancement. Devotees may offer Lotus flower, Bilwa leaves, Sandalwood paste, Jaati flowers and Malati flowers to Lord Vishnu.

During Panchaka, lots of people wait for different Beshas of deities. Different Alankara like Dalakia Vesha, Adakia Vesha, Lakshmi Narasingha Vesha, Trivikrama Vesha and finally on the day of Kartik Purnima Lord is decorated in Rajarajeswara Vesha which draws people more than one lakh. More amount prasad are made in temple to cope with the demand from Havishya vratis (widow women staying for monthlong Kartika Vrata in Puri).

Jagannath Temple, Puri – Suna Besha

Jagannath Temple, Puri – Suna Besha

Suna Besha, also known as Raja or Rajadhiraja Besha or Raja Besha or Rajarajeswara Besha, is an event when the Lord Jagannath and other deities Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra are adorned with gold jewelry. Suna Besha is observed 5 times during a year. It is commonly observed on Magha Purnima (January), Bahuda Ekadashi also known as Ashadha Ekadashi (July), Dusshera (Vijayadashami) (October), Karthik Purnima (November), and Pousa Purnima (December). The name Suna Bhesha is derived from two words, 'Suna' meaning "gold" and 'Bhesha' meaning "costume".

While one such Suna Bhesha event is observed on Bahuda Ekadashi during the Rath Yatra on the chariots placed at the lion's gate (also called Singhadwara; the other four Beshas are observed inside the temple on the Ratna Singhasana (gem studded altar). On this occasion gold plates are decorated over the hands and feet of Jagannath and Balabhadra; Jagannath is also adorned with a Chakra (disc) made of gold on the right hand while a silver conch adorns the left hand. However, Balabhadra is decorated with a plough made of gold on the left hand while a golden mace adorns his right hand.

History:

According to temple history, Suna Besha was introduced during the era of King Kapilendradeva in 1460 A.D. When the king Kapilendradeva (1434-1466 AD) returned home triumphant after winning wars over the rulers of the Deccan (Southern India) he brought a huge bounty which was carried in 16 cart loads. The trophies which he collected consisted of diamonds and gold. The day he arrived in Puri he donated all the booty to the Lord Jagannath. He instructed the temple priests to get ornaments crafted out of the gold and diamond he had donated to adorn the deities on the occasion of the Ratha Yatra festival. Since then the deities, Jagannatha, Balabhadra and Subhadra are decorated with this jewelry after the Bahuda Yatra.

Suna Besha:

During the 10^th bright day of the month of Aswin (October) on Vijayadashami or Dussehra day, Lord Jagannath is fully bedecked as an emperor with all gold jewelry. On the 12^th Shukla paksha day of the month of Ashadha, after returning from the Ratha Yatra to the main Jagannath Temple, also known as Srimandir, the three deities are adorned with gold ornaments. Again, on the full moon day of the Kartika (November) the deities are decorated with gold ornaments.

On the full moon day of Falguna (March) also the deities are worshiped when gold ornamentation is done. A day after the Suna Besha event Lord Jagannath and other deities are formally offered a concoction of a sweet juice, known in local usage as Adharapana, which is a mixture made of milk, cream, cottage cheese, plantain pulp, grated coconut, nabata (brown sugar spiced with camphor), nutmeg and black pepper.

The juice is offered as a token to the lips of the deities deified in their individual chariots to break their fast or Ekadasi. Following this ritual, the terracotta vessel with its contents is broken which is done to appease guardian deities (demi-gods) of the three chariots and the gods deified therein. Devotees assembled at the venue jostle to collect a small quantity of this juice as prasada(gracious gift of god).

Ornaments:

The gold ornaments are stored at the temple’s treasury known as Bhitara Bhandara Ghara. According to the "Records of Rights", the Bhandara (store) has 150 gold articles comprising three necklaces of 120 tolas (each tola is equivalent to 11.33980925 grams) weight each, limbs (hands and feet) of Jagannatha and Balabhadra made in gold of 818 tolas and 710 tolas weight. Also recorded are decorative crowns of the deities Jagannatha, Balabhadra and Subhadra in the order of 610 tolas, 434 tolas and 274 tolas in weight. The estimated value of these ornaments is said to run into several million crores. The security of all the jewelry rests with the Temple Police force, which is controlled by the Temple Managing Committee. 

When the jewelry is brought out for decorating the deities in the chariots, armed policemen accompany it along with a minimum of 25 storekeepers. Except the priests and the servitors no one else is allowed to remain on the chariots for security reasons. Devotees get a Darśana or a vision of the Suna Besha of the deities from a certain distance. According to the temple sources, in the past, the total weight of the gold ornaments used to adorn the deities weighed more than 208 kg initially made in 138 designs. However, now only 20-30 designs are used.

The designs of the gold ornaments that are used to decorate the deities are known as: hasta (hand); payar (feet); mukuta (tiara or large crown); mayur chandrika, a peacock feather design which was used as head decoration by Lord Krishna; chulapati (a forehead costume which highlights facial beauty); kundal (hanging ear-rings); rahurekha, a half square shaped decorative adorned across the face of the deity; malas or necklaces of various types such as padam (lotus), sevati (small sun flower), agasti in the shape of moon flower; in a kadamba flower shape, kante (large gold beads), mayoor in the form of peacock feathers, and champa, a yellow flower; Sri chita representing the third eye of the deities; chakra or wheel; gada or mace; padma a lotus flower; and shankh or conch.

The chita or Sri Chita decorative ornament, which denotes the third eye of gods, is represented separately for each of the deities; Lord Jagannath’s forehead is affixed with a diamond and Goddess Subhadra’s forehead is decorated with an emerald (panna). These forehead ornamentations are removed when the deities are brought out during the Deb Snana Purnima. They are then redecorated when the deities return to the sanctum, in the Chitra month on Amavasya day (new moon day).

Painting:

A very large painting called patta Chitra of depicting Lord Jagannath in Suna Besha which is of 10.5x6.5 ft size was put on display in Puri during the Bahuda Yatra. The painting has been done by Saroj Behera, Pankaj Behera, Prasanna Sahoo, Bichitra Rana and Priyanka Parida. It is made on a pure cotton cloth treated with a mixture of kainya seeds and chalk, and then painted with vegetable colours. It is one of the largest such painting and has received wide appreciation from people visiting the Ratha Yatra.

Jagannath Temple, Puri – Hera Panchami

Jagannath Temple, Puri – Hera Panchami

Hera Panchami is a ritual observed during the period of Rath Yatra in the Grand Jagannath Temple of Puri. It is known as a ritual of Goddess Lakshmi. The fifth day from Rath Yatra i.e. fifth day in bright fortnight of Ashadha is known as the Hera Panchami. During Ratha Yatra, Lord Jagannath comes out on a divine outing with his brother Sri Balabhadra and sister Subhadra along with his divine weapon Sudarsana, leaving behind his wife Mahalakshmi.

The Goddess expresses her anger for the Lord. She proceeds to the Gundicha Temple, the Adapa Mandapa in a palanquin in the form of a Subarna Mahalakshmi and threatens him to come back to the temple at the earliest. To make her pleased, the Lord concedes to her by offering her agyan mala (a garland of consent). Seeing the Goddess furious, the sevakas close the main door of the Gundicha. Mahalakshmi returns to the main temple through the Nakachana gate.

In a unique ritual, the Goddess orders one of her attendants to damage a part of the Nandighosa chariot. This is followed by her hiding behind a tamarind tree outside the Gundicha Temple. After some time, she escapes to her home temple in secrecy, through a separate path way known as Hera Gohri Lane. The unique ritual is enjoyed by lakhs of devotees of Lord Jagannath.

The rituals of Hera Panchami as an important function of Srimandira finds mention in Skanda Purana. According to the history of the Temple, this utsav started during the time of King Kapilendradeva. Before his reign, the Hera Panchami function was being observed in a symbolic way with recitation of Mantras. As stated in Madala Panji, King Kapilendradeva substituted this practice with the introduction of an idol of Mahalakshmi mode of gold and making the celebration more realistic.

Jagannath Temple, Puri – Ratha Yatra

Jagannath Temple, Puri – Ratha Yatra

Ratha Jatra is a Hindu festival associated with Lord Jagannath held at Puri in the state of Odisha, India. It is the oldest Ratha Jatra taking place in India and the world, whose descriptions can be found in Brahma Purana, Padma Purana, and Skanda Purana and Kapila Samhita. Ratha Yatra is most significant of all festivals of Jagannath. The huge chariots of Jagannath pulled during Rath Yatra is the etymological origin of the English word Juggernaut. 

The Jagannath triad are usually worshiped in the sanctum of the temple, but once during the month of Asadha (Rainy Season of Odisha, usually falling in month of June or July), they are brought out onto the Bada Danda (The main high street of Puri) and travel (3 Kms) to the Shri Gundicha Temple, in huge chariots (Rath), allowing the public to have darshan. This festival is known as Ratha Yatra, meaning the festival (Yatra) of the chariots (Ratha). Ratha-Yatra is also termed as the Shri Gundicha yatra.

History:

The observance of the Rath Yatra of Jagannath dates back to the period of the Puranas. Vivid descriptions of this festival are found in Brahma Purana, Padma Purana, and Skanda Purana. Kapila Samhita also refers to Rath Yatra. In Moghul period also, King Ramsingh of Jaipur, Rajasthan has been described as organizing the Rath Yatra in the 18^th Century. In Orissa, Kings of Mayurbhanj and Paralakhemundi were organizing the Rath Yatra, though the most grand festival in terms of scale and popularity takes place at Puri.

The Ganga dynasty instituted the Rath Yatra at the completion of the great temple around 1150 AD. This festival was one of those Hindu festivals that was reported to the Western world very early. Friar Odoric of Pordenone visited India in 1316-1318, some 20 years after Marco Polo had dictated the account of his travels while in a Genoese prison. In his own account of 1321, Odoric reported how the people put the idols on chariots, and the King and Queen and all the people drew them from the "church" with song and music.

Chera Pahara:

The most significant ritual associated with the Ratha-Yatra is the Chera Pahara. During the festival, the Gajapati King wears the outfit of a sweeper and sweeps all around the deities and chariots in the Chera Pahara (sweeping with water) ritual. The Gajapati King cleanses the road before the chariots with a gold-handled broom and sprinkles sandalwood water and powder with utmost devotion.

As per the custom, although the Gajapati King has been considered the most exalted person in the Kalingan kingdom, he still renders the menial service to Jagannath. This ritual signified that under the lordship of Jagannath, there is no distinction between the powerful sovereign Gajapati King and the humblest devotee. Chera Pahara is held on two days, on the first day of the Ratha Yatra, when the deities are taken to garden house at Mausi Maa Temple and again on the last day of the festival, when the deities are ceremoniously brought back to the Shri Mandir.

Ratha Yatra:

This annual festival is celebrated on Ashadha Shukla Paksha Dwitiya (second day in bright fortnight of Ashadha month). The festival commemorates Jagannath's annual visit to Gundicha Temple via Mausi Maa Temple (aunt's home) near Balagandi Chaka, Puri. The Jagannath triad are usually worshiped in the sanctum of the temple, but once during the month of Asadha (Rainy Season of Odisha, usually falling in month of June or July), they are brought out onto the Bada Danda (The main high street of Puri) and travel (3 Kms) to the Shri Gundicha Temple, in huge chariots (Rath), allowing the public to have darshan. This festival is known as Ratha Yatra, meaning the festival (Yatra) of the chariots (Ratha).

Ratha-Yatra is also termed as the Shri Gundicha yatra. On the way the chariot of Lord Jagannatha, Nandighosa waits near the crematorium of Bhakta Salabega, a Muslim devout to pay him tribute. The Triads stay in Gundicha temple for nine days. They are also accompanied by Sudarsana chakra. Thereafter, the deities again ride the chariots back to Shri Mandir in Bahuda Yatra. On the way back, the three chariots halt at the Mausi Maa Temple and the deities are offered Poda Pitha, a kind of baked cake which are generally consumed by the Odisha people only.

This is the only day when devotees who are not allowed in the temple premises, such as non-Hindus and foreigners, can get their glimpse of the deities. During the festival, devotees from all over the world go to Puri with an earnest desire to help pulling the Lords' chariots with the help of other priests pulling the chariots with ropes. They consider this auspicious deed. The huge processions accompanying the chariots play devotional songs with drums, tambourines, trumpets etc.

Children line the streets through which the chariot will pass and add to the mass chorus. The Ratha carts themselves are approximately 45 feet (14 m) high and are pulled by the thousands of pilgrims who turn up for the event; the chariots are built anew each year only from a particular type of tree. Millions of devotees congregate at Puri for this annual event from all over the country and abroad. It is also broadcast live on many Indian, foreign television channels as well as many of the websites telecast Jagannath Ratha Jatra live.

The Chariots:

The Rathas are huge wheeled wooden structures, which are built anew every year and are pulled by the devotees. The three chariots of Balabhadra, Subhadra and Jagannatha are newly constructed every year with wood of specified trees like phassi, dhausa, etc.  They are customarily brought from the ex-princely state of Dasapalla by a specialist team of carpenters who have hereditary rights and privileges for the same. The logs are traditionally set afloat as rafts in the river Mahanadi. These are collected near Puri and then transported by road.

The three chariots are decorated as per the unique scheme prescribed and followed for centuries stand on the Bada Danda, the Grand Avenue. Covered with bright canopies made of stripes of red cloth and combined with those of black, yellow and green colours, the huge chariots are lined across the wide avenue in front of the majestic temple close to its eastern entrance, which is also known as the Sinhadwara or the Lion's Gate.

The chariot of Lord Jagannath is named as Nandighosha or Garuda Dhwaja or Kapiladhwaja. The Lord is accompanied by Madan Mohan. It is forty-five feet high and forty-five feet square at the wheel level. It has sixteen wheels, each of seven-foot diameter, and is decked with a cover made of red and yellow cloth. Lord Jagannatha is identified with Krishna, who is also known as Pitambara, the one attired in golden yellow robes and hence the distinguishing yellow stripes on the canopy of this chariot.

The chariot of Lord Balarama, called the Taladhwaja, is the one with the Palm Tree on its flag. It has fourteen wheels, each of seven-foot diameter and is covered with red and green cloth. Its height is forty-four feet. The chariot of Subhadra, known as Dwarpadalana, literally "trampler of pride," is forty-three feet high with twelve wheels, each of seven-foot diameter. This chariot is decked with a covering of red and black cloth – black being traditionally associated with Shakti and the Mother Goddess.

Around each of the chariots are nine Parsva devatas, painted wooden images representing different deities on the chariots' sides. Each of the chariots is attached to four horses. These are of different colours – dark ones for Balarama, white ones for Jagannatha, and red ones for Subhadra. Each chariot has a charioteer called Sarathy.

The three charioteers attached to the chariots of Jagannatha, Balarama and Subhadra respectively are Daruka, Matali and Arjuna. The artists and painters of Puri decorate the cars and paint flower petals and other designs on the wheels, the wood-carved charioteer and horses, and the inverted lotuses on the wall behind the throne. 

Jagannath Temple, Puri – Nabakalebara

Jagannath Temple, Puri – Nabakalebara

Nabakalebara is a symbolic recreation of the wooden forms of four Hindu deities (Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra & Sudarsana) at Jagannath Temple, Puri. Nabakalebara takes place when one lunar month of Ashadha is followed by another lunar month of Aashaadha. This can take place in 8, 12 or even 18 years. Nabakalebara is a combination of two Odia words; naba (new) and kalebara (body), translated as the change of one's physical form. The event involves installation of new images in the temple and burial of the old ones in the temple premises at Koili Vaikuntha.

Timings:

The year of Nabakalebara is when the full moon occurs twice during the month of Ashadha. Every three years in the Hindu calendar, a lunar month is excluded from the calculation to maintain a balance between lunar and solar years. This period is called Ahimsa or Malamasa. A year with an extra month (adhimasa) is considered auspicious for the ceremony, which typically occurs every twelve to nineteen years. The three deities undergo the process of Nabakalebara in the year in which the adhimasa falls. 

Jirna Bera Parityaga:

Jirna Bera Parityaga means "the leaving of the old deity and the consecration of the new". According to temple rituals, the deities are changed. Made from the neem tree, musk, sandalwood and other combinations, they undergo a change before the adhika Ashadha ends. Agama shastras followed in other parts of India for Vishnu worship, such as the Vaikhanasas, also prescribe the change of wooden deities under a specific astrological combination.

Deities made of stone or metal do not need to be changed (unless they are damaged), but wooden deities must be changed within a specific number of years and their power must be ritually transferred. Nabakalebar is about the transformation of the deities into a new body. The new wooden idols of Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra and Sudarshan are welcomed to the temple in celebration. The old idols are ritually buried in Koili Vaikuntha in accordance with century-old Odia scriptures.

The deities are carved from a special type of neem wood, known as Daru Bramha. The most recent ceremony was in 2015, 19 years after the 1996 ceremony. Over three million devotees visited the temple during the Nabakalebara 2015.

Finding the Sacred Trees:

Ordinary neem trees cannot be used to make the deities. For the identification of the tree, conditions and signs are taken into account. The Daru (log) of Sudarshan should have three branches. The skin (bark) of the neem tree should be reddish. The tree should have a chakra (wheel) with a small depression in the middle. The Daru of Balabhadra should have seven branches. The bark of the tree should be light-brown or white. It should have the sign of a plow and pestle on it. Near the tree should be a heritage site and a graveyard. The Daru of Subhadra should have five branches, and its bark should be yellowish. There should be a lotus flower on the tree.

The Daru of Jagannath should have four main branches, and its bark should be dark. The tree should have a Shankha and a chakra on it. There should be a cremation ground and an anthill near the tree, and a snake hole at its roots. The tree should be near a river, pond, a three-way crossing or three mountains. There should not be bird’s nests on the tree, and no bird should have perched on the tree. The tree should be surrounded by other trees, and there should be a temple to Shiva in the vicinity. The tree should be free of parasitic plants and creepers.

Rituals:

The search group announces where the logs are located in order; the last is Jagannath's tree. Security is arranged by the government of Odisha. The trees are ritually cut down. After the tree is felled, sections are selected for carving and the remainder is buried; the location is then considered sacred. The logs are placed in a wooden six-wheeled oxcart and transported to the temple, where they are kept in the Koili Vaikuntha (koili means "burial ground", and Vaikuntha means "heaven").

The old deities are buried in Koili Vaikuntha. Although the other deities have separate graves, the previous Jagannatha are buried on top of each other. Carving of the images begins with the three oldest of the nine main wood carvers working on Jagannath. The images of Lord Balabhadra and Devi are simultaneously carved by two three-person teams. More than 50 carpenters assist the carvers.

The work is done in secret, and not even the temple's head priest is allowed to visit the workplace. The carving enclosure is open on the top but closed with strong doors. The carvers are not supposed to eat, drink or smoke in the enclosure. The carvings are completed in 21 days, during which the carvers are not supposed to leave the temple; they sleep in the temple courtyard, and eat mahaprasad.

Devotional songs are sung by devadasis, accompanied by temple musicians, outside the koili Vaikuntha during the carving period; shlokas from the Vedas are chanted by Brahmin priests. After the new deities are made they are brought into the temple's inner sanctum, they are placed in front of (and facing) the old ones. No puja is performed at this time, and no food is offered. The images are life-sized, and very heavy.

The transformation ceremony takes place three days before the chariot festival. On the morning of the second day, the new deities are seated on the altar. The temple's daily routine resumes after nearly 58 days (the search and carving periods). Sweet-smelling flower garlands and new garments are given to the new deities, food is offered, and a puja is performed; devotees can again enter the temple. On the third day, the new deities emerge from the temple for the chariot festival. Nabakalebara attracts millions of people from around the world to Puri and is one of India’s largest festivals.

Jagannath Temple, Puri – Anasara

Jagannath Temple, Puri – Anasara

Anasara is also called as Anavasara. Anasara, a derivative of the Sanskrit word Anabasara, literally means vacation. Every year after the holy Snana Yatra, the triad images, without the Sudarsana Chakra, are taken to a secret altar named Anavasara Ghar (also known as Anasara Pindi, Pindi is Oriya term meaning platform) where they remain for the next fortnight of (Krishna paksha); devotees are not allowed to view these images. Instead, devotees go to the nearby Brahmagiri to see the Lord in the four-handed form of Alarnath, a depiction of Vishnu. 

Devotees then get the first glimpse of the Lord only on the day before Ratha Yatra, which is called Navayouvana. It is a local belief that the gods suffer from fever after taking an elaborate ritual bath, and they are treated by the special servants, the Daitapatis, for 15 days. Daitapatis perform special nitis (rites) known as Netrotchhaba (a rite of painting the eyes of the triad). During this period cooked food is not offered to the deities.

Jagannath Temple, Puri – Snana Yatra

Jagannath Temple, Puri – Snana Yatra

The Snana Yatra is a bathing festival celebrated on the Purnima (full moon day) of the Hindu month of Jyestha. It is an important festival of the Jagannath devotees. It is the birth day of Lord Jagannath. This is the first occasion in the year as per the Hindu calendar, when the deities Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra, Sudarshan, and Madan Mohan are brought out from the Jagannath Temple (Puri) and taken in a procession to the Snana Bedi.

On the day of the Snana Yatra, the deities are bathed with 108 pots, of ritually purified water drawn from the northern well of the temple to the accompaniment of religious incantations. In the evening, at the conclusion of the bathing ritual, Jagannath and Balabhadra are dressed up in elephant headgear representing the God Ganesh. This form of the God is called the 'Gajavesha'.

It is a belief among devotees of Lord Jagannath that if they make a pilgrimage to see the deity on this day, they would be cleansed of all of their sins. Hundreds of thousands of devotees visit the temple on the occasion. The Skanda Purana mentions that King Indradyumna arranged this ceremony for the first time when the idols of the deities were first installed.

After the Snana Yatra the Gods are traditionally believed to fall ill and are kept in a sick room to recuperate in privacy under the care of the Raj Vaidya. During this period known as Anasara the Gods cannot be seen by devotees. At this time three pata chitra paintings are displayed for devotees to view instead.

It is said that with the Ayurvedic medication administered by the Raj Vaidya the Gods recover in a fortnight and resume giving an audience to their devotees. During the Anasara period devotees head to the Alarnath Temple in Brahmagiri in the belief that Jagannath manifests as Alarnath during this period.

Jagannath Temple, Puri – Chandan Yatra

Jagannath Temple, Puri – Chandan Yatra

Chandana Yatra also known as Gandhalepana yatra is the longest festival observed at Jagannatha temple at Puri. In Akshaya Tritiya, every year the Chandan Yatra festival marks the commencement of the construction of the Chariots of the Ratha Yatra. Chandana Yatra meaning Sandal wood Voyage in Sanskrit, which continues for 42 days is observed in two parts: Bahara Chandana and Bhitara Chandana

Bahara Chandana:

Bahara Chandana starts from Akshaya Tritiya and continues for 21 days. Construction of the chariots for the annual Ratha Yatra festival starts from Akshaya Tritiya. On the first 21 days the representative idols of the main deities of the Jagannath temple as well as five Shivalingas known as the Pancha Pandava are taken in a procession from the Singhadwara or the Lion Gate of the Jagannatha temple at Puri to the Narendra Tirtha tank.

Utsava idols Madan Mohan, Bhoodevi Sridevi and Ramakrishna participate in this yatra for 21 days. The deities are taken on two chapas (boats), namely, Nanda and Bhadra, on an excursion around the Narendra Teertha. After various rituals the deities are taken to the Narandra pond located near the Jagannath Temple and they are placed on grandly decorated boats for an evening cruise of the tank.

Bhitara Chandana:

The last 21 days include rituals held inside the temple itself. Instead of the daily cruises, the playful ride happens here on four occasions, the Amavasya, the full moon night, on the Shashti and the Ekadashi of the bright fort night.