Ratha Yatra Today: Here’s Some Lesser Known Facts That You Must Know

Puri: The centuries-old festival, the Ratha Yatra of Puri Jagannath Temple in Odisha is one of the most important festivals observed by Hindus with lakhs of devotees thronging the pilgrim city during this time.

Though there are many interesting and amazing facts about the Jagannath temple and the annual Rath Yatra, we list some lesser-known facts about the Puri Rath Yatra.

And as the preparations for the mega event continue to take place, read on to know some of the interesting facts associated with Lord Jagannath’s Puri Rath Yatra:

1. The tradition of Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra has been in practice for over 500 years old. However, this age-old custom is also mentioned in ancient scriptures like Brahma Purana, Padma Purana, Skanda Purana and Kapila Samhita.
2. Three giant wooden chariots are made of a particular type of Neem tree wood each year for Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Balbhadra (Balaram) and sister Subhadra.
3. This tradition is one of its kind because the main idols from the sanctum sanctorum are brought out of the temple complex. This is an unusual feature because elsewhere (in other temples), the presiding deity is never taken out of the Garbha Griha.
4. The King (known as the Gajapati) dresses like a sweeper and cleans the road with a golden-handled broom and water fortified with sandalwood paste to perform the Chera Pahara ritual.
5. Lord Jagannath’s Rath, Nandighosha (also known as Garudadhwaja, Kapiladhwaja), is about 44 feet tall. It has 16 wheels, and the dominant colours used for his chariot are red and yellow.
6. Balbhadra’s chariot is called Taladhwaja or Langaladhwaja, and it stands 43 feet in height. It has 14 wheels, and the colours used for decorating the chariot are Red and Bluish-Green.
7. Subhadra’s chariot has 12 wheels, and the colours associated with her are Red and Black. Her chariot is known as Darpadalana (Devadalana or Padmadhwaja), and it is 42 feet tall.
8. Lord Jagannath, Balbhadra and Subhadra begin their journey from the Puri shrine (built by King Indradyumna) and proceed towards the Gundicha temple (a monument built in memory of the Queen of Indradyumna).
9. The Jagannath Rath Yatra symbolises the journey of Shri Krishna from Dwaraka (a kingdom he ruled to Braj Bhoomi, his birthplace). This tradition is also believed to be a recreation of Lord Krishna’s departure from Gokul (where he grew up).