Jagannath is the form of the Hindu Diety Lord Krishna. Here the very
ecstasic form of Lord Krishna has been presented along with his elder
Brother Balrama and Sister Subhadra. The Rathyatra of Jagannath laments the
Lord Jagannaths longing to reunite with his devotees in
Vrindavan
(Mathura) - with foremost among then Radha Rani.
As per the Legend, the Lord gets love stricken once a year. To cheer him
up, his devotees and friends arrange for a lavish procession to meet up with
devotees.This procession is known as Jagannath Yatra. Lord Jagannath is
supposed to be an Avtar of Lord Vishnu - the lord of Puri ( a town in Orissa
).
Every year in the months of June and July, the Rath Yatra of Jagannath
is held.
» Jagannath Track :
Jagannath Temple - Puri City - Jagannath Temple
» The Yatra :
Once a year the two brothers Jagannath, Baladeva and the Sister
Subhadra are taken out of the Temple and pulled in large Chariots
through the streets of Puri. Amidst grand fanfare, these are pulled by
all throughout the streets of Puri. millions of Devotees, including the
King Of Puri sweeps the path of the Gods.
The three chariots are made for each Deity. All the three chariots have
three different dimensions - the chariot of Lord Jagannath is called the
Nandigosha which has 18 wheels and is 23 cubits high; the chariot of
Baladeva Taladhvaja has 16 wheels and is 22 cubits high whereas
Subhadras Chariot Devadalana has 14 wheels and is 21 cubits high. The
idols of the Lords and their chariots are made of wood, therefore they
are replaced. The Chariots are replaced every year whereas the idols of
the Lords are replaced after every 12 years. After the 9 days of
festival throughout the city, the lords return to the Temple.
Fourteen tailors are engaged in making the Lord Jagannaths dresses
which requires at least 1200 meters of cloth. Around 7 - 10 lakh of
pilgrimers visit Puri at this time. The procession begins at the Jagdish
Temple of Jamalpur. For those who cannot make it to Puri, Jagannath
Yatras take place at same time in different cities. You can also visit
the Jagannath Yatra at Ramnagar (near Varanasi ), Serampore ( near
Calcutta), Jagannathpur ( near Ranchi) and in Ahmedabad City (Gujarat).
Not to be Missed
Konark - This World Heritage Site, also known as
Sun temple is
one of the most beautiful Temple of Orissa. With its famous chariots and
the beautiful designs, it has thousands of visitors each month. Its a
must see Temple.
Our Suggestions
- Jagannath Puri festival does not permit Non - Hindus to attend
this festival. However, foreigners are allowed.
- Because of the large number of pilgrimers ( in lakhs) coming to be
a part of the Yatra, its advised children below the age of 18 years.
Even the younger lads should have their home address and phone numbers
in their pockets.
- It is difficult to come out of the Yatra hours before its
completion. People with higher ailments like Diabetes and Heart
problems should avoid this Yatra.
- Large noises, beating of drums, roaring of lakhs of people, dance
and music are a part of this Yatra. If you cannot bear much noise,
avoid attending the Jagannath Yatra.
- Its better to tell the close relatives and friends that you are
going for this yatra, so they can help in the needy hour.
- Beware of pickpocketers and thugs. Keep your valueables in the
Hotel Locker.
- There are direct flights to Puri. From there on you have to take a
cab.
- Food served during the Jagannath Yatra is purely vegetarian. Don't
expect a non - vegetarian food.
- Pre book your Hotel room months ago, as during this time there
will be no rooms available. If there will be any, then they will
charge extra price for it.
- Be with your guide, he will be the best help. Take the Guide of
the Tour Operator only.
- The whole Yatra should take an estimated cost of Rs 5000 / - to Rs
10,000/- approximately..
- For Tours and further information, contact us.
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