Legends on Puri Rath Yatra Festival

If you are planning to attend the Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2015 and have not decided where to stay in Puri then book your hotel soon or else getting a good accommodation becomes tough task for you.

Puri Rath Yatra festival is the most attention grabbing festival of Odisha. Lord Jagannath is believed to be the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Rath Yatra festival is connected with lots of folk tales as well as myths. This is the most religious festival for Hindu pilgrims to gather attention of religious souls living across the world.

The lord Jagannath and his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra stay at the Gundicha Temple for seven days. On their return journey, the deities stops at the Mausi Maa Temple or the shrine dedicated to their aunt. Rituals and traditions also mark the start and construction of the chariots. Construction begins on Akshaya Tritiya, among the three and half auspicious days in Hindu calendar. The rituals are held in the presence of the erstwhile King of Puri. The chariots are built in 58 days. The construction process continues the same from its beginning, till now it is not changed yet.

Lord Jagannath’s chariot Nandighosh is made out of 832 pieces of wood, Lord Balabhadra’s chariot Taladhwaja uses 763 pieces of wood and Goddess Subhadra’s chariot Darpadolana is made out of 539 pieces of wood. Among different folks regarding Puri Rath yatra, the popular are:

According to legend, Lord Jagannath and Balbhadra were left paupers after Goddess Lakshmi left Shri Mandir. Both had to go out begging. During their brief stopover at Mausi Maa temple, the three deities are offered ‘Poda Pitha’, a kind of pancake favored by the Lord.

Another interesting legend associated with 17th century devotional poet Salabega. Son of a Mughal subedar and a Muslim by birth, Salabega turned a Krishna devotee after being severely wounded in battle. Cured miraculously, Salabega went to Puri. However, he was denied entry as he was a Muslim. During Rath Yatra he wished to see his Lord during Puri Rath Yatra all religions are allowed to see Lords. But he fell ill and could not reach in time. He prayed lord to wait for him and due to his prayer, Jagannath's chariot Nandigosh didn’t move until Salabega at Puri. As a mark of respect for Salabega till now Nandigosh chariot takes a brief halt each year near his Samadhi.

Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2015 is going to be little different due to its Nabakalebar, which falls in after 12 to 19 years. After 1996, this year is going to be celebrated as Nabakalenar 2015. During Nabakalebar you are going to see the new transformation of all the three lords. So must take part in Puri Rath Yatra festival this time at Puri. 

For more information about Puri Rath Yatra, visit - http://www.rathyatra.org/