Ratha Yatra: The Living Tradition of Srikshetra Puri

The Ratha Yatra is not just a sacred journey - it is a vibrant celebration of devotion, mythology, and timeless tradition. Held annually in Srikshetra Puri, this divine festival captures the hearts of millions. During the twelve-month religious cycle observed in the temple, the Ratha Yatra stands out as especially captivating. As Lord Jagannath appears in His charming and graceful dwarf form upon the grand chariot, sins are believed to be washed away. Even the gods, it is said, yearn for a glimpse of this extraordinary form.

This sacred pilgrimage is known by many names, each reflecting a unique aspect of its history and significance: Ghosha Yatra, Srigundicha Yatra, Yagya Vedi Yatra, Janma Vedi Yatra, Maha Vedi Yatra, Adapa Mandapa Yatra, Navadin Yatra, Dasavatar Yatra, Patitapaban Yatra.

Each name tells a different story:

Since the Lord travels in chariots, it is called Ratha Yatra. As the deities journey to the Gundicha Temple, it is known as Srigundicha Yatra. Maha Vedi Yatra, Yagya Vedi Yatra, and Janma Vedi Yatra commemorate the site where King Indradyumna performed a sacred yagna for the people’s welfare - on the very altar where the Chaturdhamurti (Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra, and Sudarshan) are placed each year. The altar is also called Adapa Mandapa, giving rise to the name Adapa Mandapa Yatra. During the stay at the Gundicha Temple, the deities are dressed in the divine Dasavatar form, hence the name Dasavatar Yatra.

The entire celebration lasts for nine days, starting from Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya and ending on Ashadha Shukla Dashami. This sacred journey is also known as the Navadinatmak Yatra, meaning “the nine-day festival.”

Above all, the Ghosha Yatra is known as the Patitapaban Yatra - a journey where Lord Jagannath blesses everyone, regardless of caste, creed, or background. It is believed that just feeling the breeze near His chariot can cleanse one of sins. On this sacred path, the saint and the sinner, the young and the old, the pure and the impure - all are equal in the Lord’s eyes.

As the deities return from the Gundicha Temple, also known as Bahuda Yatra, they pause at the Mausi Maa Temple (Ardhasani Temple). There, they are offered Poda Pitha, a traditional pancake believed to be one of Lord Jagannath’s favorite delicacies. 

After the Bahuda Yatra, the deities are adorned with gold ornaments and worshipped while seated on their chariots. This grand celebration is known as Suna Besha.

Following Suna Besha, another important ritual called Adhara Pana is performed.

The final ritual of the Ratha Yatra is Niladri Bije, when the deities ceremoniously return to their sanctum inside the Jagannath Temple. With this, the divine journey concludes, and the Lord, along with his siblings, resumes his original position on the Ratnavedi.

Ratha Yatra is not just a journey - it is a sacred pilgrimage of the soul. This Yatra is a divine union of the devotee and the Lord, a journey woven with threads of faith, love, and divine friendship. It is a pathway to spiritual awakening, a celebration of inner transformation, and a reflection of the eternal consciousness that binds a nation to its divine roots.

The Sacred Preparation: Crafting the Divine Journey

The preparation for Mahaprabhu Jagannath’s Ratha Yatra - the divine enactment of His worldly leela with divine purpose - is carried out through a series of sacred stages and time-bound rituals. This holy pilgrimage is not a mere procession but a carefully orchestrated spiritual event, rooted in centuries-old traditions and divine timings.

The construction of the chariots follows strict ritual guidelines and is carried out according to specific Vedic scriptures and architectural treatises. It provides the exact measurements, materials, and symbolic meanings behind every element of the chariots.

The presiding deity of the chariot construction is Devi Charchika, the Ishta Devi of the carpenters and artisans. Her shrine stands facing the temple, and it is at this sacred location that the chariot construction begins. Special worship is offered to Lord Vishwakarma, the divine architect, and to the Maharanas - the traditional craftsmen who carry forward this divine duty.

• On the Sripanchami, the chariot wood arrives in Puri, and an auspicious puja is performed at the Rathakhala. Akshaya Tritiya is considered the most auspicious day to formally begin the construction. On Shri Ram Navami, the ritual of wood-cutting for the chariots begins.
• On the Narasimha Chaturdashi, the ritual of Guj (marking progress) is performed.
• The making of the chariot wheels and offerings to the deities takes place on Bhanuri Day.
• During Devasnana Purnima, four special structures called Nahaka Dera are ritually blessed.
• On the day of Netrotsav, the chariots are taken ceremoniously from the chariot yard and placed in front of the Singhadwara (Lion's Gate) of the temple.
• Every step of this preparation is deeply spiritual - honoring not only the Lord of the Universe but also the sacred tradition, the artisans, the scriptures, and the divine timing that make this event a cosmic celebration.

Rolling Temples: The Art and Spirit Behind the Rathas

The three majestic chariots (Ratha) used in the Ratha Yatra are unlike any others in India. Built entirely from new wood each year following age-old traditions, these structures represent the intersection of divine engineering and sacred art. The construction style has been preserved and respected by artisans and scholars for centuries.

Before the deities board their respective chariots on Srigundicha Tithi, the chariots are consecrated through detailed Vedic rituals.

Chariot of Lord Jagannath: Nandighosha

Alternative names of Chariot: Nandighosha, Garudadhwaja, Kapiladhwaja

• Height: 45 feet 6 inches
• Guardian: Garuda
• Charioteer: Daruk
• Rope Name: Shankhachuda
• Wheels: 16
• Colors: Red and Yellow 
• Weapons: Conch and Chakra
• Horses: 4 (white)
• Flag Name: Trailokya Mohini
• Accompanying deity: Madanmohan

Chariot of Lord Balabhadra: Taladhwaja

• Alternate name of Chariot: Langal Dhwaja
• Height: 45 feet
• Guardian: Vasudeva
• Charioteer: Matali
• Rope Name: Vasuki
• Wheels: 14
• Colors: Red and Green
• Weapons: Plough and Pestle
• Horses: 4 (black)
• Flag Name: Unnani
• Accompanying deity: Ramkrishna

Chariot of Devi Subhadra: Devadalan

• Alternative name of Chariot: Darpadalana, Padmadhwaja
• Height: 44 feet 6 inches
• Guardian: Jayadurga
• Charioteer: Arjuna
• Rope: Golden
• Wheels: 12
• Colors: Red and Black
• Weapons: Lotus and Kalhara
• Horses: 4 (red)
• Flag Name: Nadambika
• Accompanying deity: Sudarshan

Lord Jagannath - lovingly known as Kalagosain - reveals His leelas (divine plays) through this magnificent journey. While he resides in the Ratnavedi within the sanctum, access is restricted. But during Ratha Yatra, He steps out for all. This is not just a procession; it is divine outreach, where every devotee - regardless of background - gets a chance to see, touch, and feel the presence of God.

The divine play of the Lord is beyond human comprehension—mystical and boundless. No one can predict where, when, or in what form He will manifest. As a sacred expression of this eternal leela, the Ratha Yatra is celebrated across the world, transcending caste, creed, color, and religion. It stands as a symbol of universal love and unity, and will continue to inspire hearts and uplift souls for generations to come.