Jagannath Rath Yatra

Jagat” means universe/ world and “natha” means Lord, hence Jagannnatha is Lord of the Universe, the lord of every one and therefore worshipped by all. The form of Lord Jagannath is identical with the eternal, blissful and youth form of Lord Krishna, the supreme absolute Truth. Read on....

The famous Festival of the Chariots is held on the second day of the bright fortnight of Ashada. Other names for this festival are Gundicha Yatra (named for the Gundicha Mandir, where the procession ends) and Ghosha Yatra. On the day of the festival, the Deities are taken out of the Temple and each one is placed on their own stylized chariot. The chariots are kept near the main Temple's main gate, the Lion Gate. The Deities are carried to the chariots in a traditional, ceremonial way. First Sudarshan, then Balabhadra, Subhadra and Jagannath. Balabhadra and Jagannath are carried in such a way that They rock forward and backward, moving from pillow to pillow as they approach the chariots, and finally ascend the ramp leading to their seats. This rocking motion is called Pahandi.

The name of Lord Jagannath's chariot is Nandighosh. It has 16 wheels, and is covered in red and yellow material. Lord Balabhadra's chariot is called Taladwaja, has 14 wheels and is covered with red and green material. The third chariot, Devadalana, belongs to Lady Subhadra. It has 12 wheels and a red and black canopy. There are four other Deities that also ride on the chariots, making a total of seven Deities in all. Lady Subhadra shares Her chariot with Sudarshan, who sits by Her side. Lord Jagannath sits with Madanmohan, who represents Lord Jagannath Himself. Lord Balabhadra is accompanied by two small, brass deities of Rama and Krishna. The chariots are pulled about three kilometers down Puri's Grand Road, from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Mandir or Gundicha Ghar. If one or more chariots doesn't make it all the way, it is simply moved the following day.

The fifth day of the festival is known as Hera Panchami, the day that one of Jagannath's two wives, Goddess Laxmi, goes to Gundicha Mandir to see Her husband. On the ninth day, the chariots are pulled back to the area near the Lion Gate. On the evening of the tenth day (the eleventh day of the bright fortnight of Ashadha, also Hari Sayan Ekadasi), the Deities are dresssed in golden garments adorned with golden decorations. The next day, another important ritual, Adharapana Bhog, is performed. On that day, a specially prepared sweet drink is offered to the Deities. There is a procession on the evening of the next day, wherein the Deities are taken back into the Temple. This ceremony draws a large crowd of worshippers.

PARASHAKTHI (The Eternal Mother) Temple 551 W. Kennett, Pontiac, Michigan 48340 Phone - 248 - 322-4731 Maps & Directions e-mail: omshakthi@parashakthitemple.org