The Pillars of Tradition: Exploring the Role of Mathas in the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath

The Shri Jagannath Temple in Puri is not an isolated entity; it is interwoven with a network of mathas (monasteries) that have historically played a vital role in the temple’s rituals and festivals, particularly the grand Rath Yatra. These mathas, each with their unique traditions and responsibilities, contribute to the spiritual fabric of this sacred city. Let’s explore the contributions of these monasteries to the Rath Yatra.

The Ancient Relationship Between Mathas and the Shri Jagannath Temple

The connection between the Shri Jagannath Temple and various mathas is centuries old, with many monasteries having specific duties and responsibilities. Although some of these traditions may have faded over time, many mathas continue to play an essential role in the temple’s rituals, offerings, and festivals.

Through the generosity of many, these mathas have secured extensive property and assets, dedicated to the proper management and sustenance of the daily life of the Lord, from his food offerings to his various Beshas (attires) and rituals. Some key services that the mathas provide during the Rath Yatra include:

• Supplying items for the Amruta Manohi Bhoga (divine offering) of the deities.

• Providing flowers, garlands, chitas (forehead ornaments), and other decorative items for the deities.

• Crafting and maintaining Tri-Mundi Chandua, Kanak Mundi, and other adornments.

• Supplying materials like sandalwood and sesame oil.

• Providing Tahiya (large, decorative crowns), panti bhog (communal feast), chamar (fly-whisks), and aalata (lamp) during the procession.

• Providing support during Anasar, and offering Adhara Pana.

• Providing necessary items for the deities’ daily rituals and for special occasions.

• Performing Sankirtan and bhajans (devotional chants and songs) during Mangal Aarti and Pahud rituals.

• Providing ropes for the Pahandi Bije (carrying the deities) and materials for the preparation of offerings.

Key Mathas and Their Contributions

Let’s explore some of the mathas that have particularly significant roles in the Rath Yatra:

• Raghava Das Math: This math provides a kanakmunda (golden head) and prabha for the deities on the Anasara Pindi. They also supply pana (sweet drink) and chakada bhoga, seven seers of sesame oil for the Anasar, seven kilograms of sandalwood, camphor, and saffron for the Khalilagi Ekadashi and 27 gada cloths for the deities. The servitors from this math bring back the anasara taati (bamboo curtain) after the deities come out of seclusion, provide two special bije tuli (brushes) for Lord Jagannath and Balabhadra’s pahandi, and the four large tahiya during the chariot procession. They provide khechidi bhog during the morning dhupa on Gundicha, and offer panti bhog at Naredra Mahala. They also build the temporary structure at the Gundicha Mandir for the deities. They also offer panti bhoga during the Niladri Bije.

• Gobardhan Math: This matha provides panti bhog at the Baisi Pahacha during the beginning of the Rath Yatra and at Gundicha Mandir and Bahuda journeys. The head of the monastery, Jagat Guru Shankaracharya, also visits the deities on the chariots.

• Shankarananda Math: They offer panti bhog inside the Bhitar Bedha during both Rath Yatra and Niladri Bije and at Nakachana Dwara of Gundicha on the day of Bahuda.

• Jagannath Ballabh Math: Provides a total of 23 panti bhogs at different locations during Rath Yatra and Bahuda Yatra, including offerings within the Shri Mandir, the Jagannath Ballabh Math, on the chariots at Gundicha, and during the deities’ return to the Shri Mandir. They also provide garlands and other decorations.

• Jatia Babaji Math (Samadhi Ashram): This matha provides two special bije dori (ropes for carrying the deities during procession) for the pahandi niti of the deities on behalf of the Shri Vijayakrushna Math in Banaras.

• Bada Odia Math: Offers chakada bhog and five seers of sesame oil for Phuluri Lagi on Anasara Panchami. They also provide patta bastra (silk cloth) for the netrotsava (eye-opening ceremony), provides panti chali at Gundicha, and also provides Adhara Pana on the chariots on Ashadha Shukla Dwadashi. The math also does the marjana (cleaning) of the Ratna Singhasana and hoists a new flag on the Nilachakra on Niladri Bije.

• Chhauni Math: Provides the sola chita (a type of forehead decoration) during pahandi and provides panti bhog during the yatra.

• Mahiprakash Math: Provides mailam and chakada bhog during Anasara.

• Shri Rama Das (Dakshina Parshwa) Math: Offers Panti Bhog during the Rath Yatra and Niladri Bije, provides panti chali in Gundicha, and performs chamar and aalata seva during the procession.

• Emar Math: The Emar Math provides Panti Bhoga on the days of Rath Yatra, Adapa Bije, Hera Panchami and Niladri Bije. This math also provides Chakada Bhoga during the Anavasara period and has permission to build panti chali at Gundicha Mandira.

• Nebala Das Math: This math provides panti chali at Gundicha, and provides a panti bhog on the day of Adapa Bije (the day after the Rath Yatra).

• Gangamata Math: Provides panti bhog during the Adapa Bije and Bahuda Yatra. Also they build a temporary panti chali at Gundicha.

In addition to these, the Sanachhata Math, Sankranti Math, Trimala Math, Rebasa Math, Uttaraparshwa Math, Kendujhar Math, Sunar Gauranga Math, Ghumusara Math, Labanikhia Math, Radhaballabha Math, Mangu Math and Aula Math, and Gopala Tirtha Math provide panti bhog on various days of the Rath Yatra, Adapa Bije, Hera Panchami, and Niladri Bije, as prescribed by tradition.
The Shivrath Tirtha Math, used to provide panti bhoga on the day of Rath Yatra and during the Lakshmi Narayana Bheta but it has now been closed for many years.

A Legacy of Devotion and Service

The mathas of Puri are not just centers of religious learning; they are also cornerstones of the temple’s operations. Their services, passed down through generations, highlight their deep commitment to Lord Jagannath and the spiritual well-being of all devotees. They also represent the integration of various traditions, cultures, and the rich heritage of Odisha.

Bringing the Traditions Home

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Jai jagannath 😊🙏