Bhagwan Jagannath Rath Yatra is significant & symbolic
“Nana,” Tarkik began, his brow furrowed in thought, “why is the Jagannath Yatra so significant? I mean, I can see it’s important to people, but what makes it special compared to other festivals?”
Nana’s eyes lit up at the question. He set down his cup of chai and leaned forward, his voice taking on the familiar tone of a storyteller.
“Ah, Tarkik, that’s an excellent question. You see, the Ratha Yatra is not just a festival; it’s a profound symbolic journey.”
Tarkik leaned in, intrigued. “A journey? But the chariots just go from one temple to another, right?”
Nana nodded, a knowing smile on his face. “On the surface, yes. But there’s a deeper meaning. The Jagannath Rath Yatra represents the journey of Bhagwan Krishna from Dwarka back to Vrindavan.”
“From Dwarka to Vrindavan?” Tarkik echoed, trying to recall his geography lessons.
“Yes,” Nana continued. “In Dwarka, Krishna was Dwarikadhish – a king, majestic and powerful. But in Vrindavan, He was simply Krishna – the beloved of the gopis, the friend of the cowherds, the naughty child stealing butter.”
Tarkik’s eyes widened in understanding. “So, it’s like Bhagwan is leaving His grand temple to be closer to His devotees?”
“Exactly!” Nana beamed, proud of his grandson’s insight. “The journey from the main temple to the Gundicha temple symbolizes this transition. It’s as if Bhagwan is saying, ‘I’m not just a distant, powerful deity. I’m also your friend, your loved one, always accessible to you.’”
Tarkik nodded slowly, absorbing this information. Then, another question struck him. “But Nana, I’ve heard that only Hindus can enter the Jagannath temple. Is that true?”
Nana’s expression turned solemn. “You’re right, Tarkik. The main Jagannath temple is open only to those who follow the Sanatan Dharma. But,” his eyes twinkled again, “this is where the beauty of the Sanatan and the Rath Yatra truly shines.”
“What do you mean?” Tarkik asked, leaning forward in anticipation.
“During the Ratha Yatra,” Nana explained, his voice filled with reverence, “Bhagwan Jagannath comes out of the temple to meet ALL His devotees. For these sacred days, everyone – Hindus, Muslims, Christians, people of any faith or no faith at all – gets an opportunity to see and seek blessings from Bhagwan Jagannath.”
Tarkik’s eyes widened in awe. “So even people who can’t usually enter the temple can see Bhagwan during the Yatra?”
“Exactly!” Nana exclaimed. “It’s as if Bhagwan Jagannath is saying, ‘If you cannot come to me, I will come to you.’ The Ratha Yatra breaks down all barriers, Tarkik. It’s a time when Bhagwan’s love touches everyone equally.”
Tarkik sat back, his mind whirling with this new understanding. The Ratha Yatra was more than just a colourful procession; it was a profound expression of divine love and inclusivity.
“That’s… that’s beautiful, Nana,” Tarkik said softly, his voice filled with wonder.
Nana smiled warmly, reaching out to ruffle Tarkik’s hair. “It is, my boy. And that’s why people come from all over the world to witness this divine spectacle. It’s not just about seeing the chariots or the deities; it’s about experiencing that all-encompassing love of Bhagwan Jagannath.”
As the stars began to twinkle in the darkening sky, Tarkik felt a deep sense of anticipation. The Ratha Yatra was no longer just an exciting festival to him; it had become a symbol of love, and the breaking down of barriers between the divine and the devotee.
“I can’t wait to see it all, Nana,” Tarkik said, his eyes shining with excitement.
Nana chuckled, patting Tarkik’s shoulder. “Patience, my boy. The best things are worth waiting for. And believe me, the Ratha Yatra will be an experience you’ll carry in your heart forever.”
As they sat there on the veranda, the distant sound of bhajans floating on the night breeze, Tarkik felt a newfound reverence for the festival that was about to unfold. He couldn’t wait to witness this grand expression of Bhagwan Jagannath’s love for all His devotees, regardless of who they were or where they came from.
Over the next few days, Puri transformed before Tarkik’s eyes. The streets buzzed with increased activity as devotees from all over India poured into the town. The air was filled with a cacophony of languages, the aroma of street food, and the constant, rhythmic chanting of “Jai Jagannath!”
