Gajapati’s Miracle: Jagannath Rath Yatra 1972 Ascension

The Ratha Yatra of 1972

An Experience of His Majesty Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb, the First Servitor of Lord Sri Jagannath

At that time, the present Gajapati Maharaja, His Majesty Dibyasingha Deb, had only recently ascended the throne (in 1970).

On that day, the Pahandi (ceremonial procession) of the deities to ascend their respective chariots began with great pomp and ceremony. First, the Pahandi of Sri Sudarshan began. Following him, the elder deity, Lord Balabhadra, and Mother Subhadra were seated on their chariots. The much-awaited Pahandi of Lord Sri Jagannath also commenced before the scheduled time. As Lord Sri Jagannath crossed the Baisi Pahacha (22 steps) and stood on the Bada Danda (the Grand Road), the sky and air trembled with the devotees’ chants of ‘Haribol’ and the sound of ‘Hulahuli’ (ululation).

Since the preliminary rituals of the Ratha Yatra were completed swiftly, the temple administration, the devotees, and the servitors all felt a sense of relief. But suddenly, the sky turned dark with dense clouds, and a torrential downpour began. The Lord, too, started getting drenched in the rain.

The Daitapati servitors were striving with all their might to lift the Lord onto the Charamala (the ceremonial ramp) and place Him atop the Nandighosha chariot. The Bada Danda was reverberating with chants of “Jai Jagannath.” However, Lord Sri Jagannath would not move even a single step. Even when He was moved forward, He would lean back again, returning to His original position. Seeing this situation, the temple administrator was completely bewildered, not knowing what to do. The Badagrahi Daitapati (the chief Daita servitor) pleaded earnestly with the Lord. Many senior servitors also offered humble prayers, but the Lord would not ascend His chariot. The designated time for pulling the chariots was also passing, yet the Lord could not be seated on His.

At that moment, the Gajapati Maharaja, His Majesty Dibyasingha Deb, breaking with past tradition, came walking from the Srinahara (the royal palace).

First, the Gajapati paid his respects to the elder deity, Lord Balabhadra, seeking his blessings. Then, he offered his prayers before the chariot of Devi Subhadra.

Finally, he approached the crest-jewel of millions of Odias, Lord Sri Jagannath, and earnestly prayed for Him to ascend the chariot. The Daitapati servitors’ chants of “Jai Jagannath” were making the entire Srikhetra tremble. But the Lord remained immobile.

Unable to contain his emotions any longer, with tears welling in his eyes, the Gajapati Maharaja stood on the Charamala, touched the Lord’s divine feet, and pressed his own body against the Lord’s, making a desperate and heartfelt plea for Him to ascend the chariot. Miraculously, in response to the Gajapati’s prayer, the Lord ascended His chariot in an instant.
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