Divine Companions: The Parshwa Devatas of Lord Jagannath’s Chariots

The annual Rath Yatra in Puri is not just a procession of three magnificent chariots; it’s a divine entourage where each chariot carries not only the main deities but also their respective Parshwa Devatas (attendant deities). These deities, each with their own symbolic significance, add to the spiritual richness of the Rath Yatra. Let’s explore these divine companions of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra.

Lord Jagannath’s Nandighosha Ratha

Lord Jagannath’s chariot, the Nandighosha, is accompanied by nine Parshwa Devatas:

1. Panchamukhi Mahabir: A form of Hanuman with five faces.

2. Harihara: A combined form of Vishnu and Shiva.

3. Madhusudana: A name of Lord Krishna.

4. Giri Goverdhan Dhari: Krishna lifting the Govardhana Hill.

5. Nrusingha: The lion-headed incarnation of Vishnu.

6. Chintamani Krishna: A form of Krishna as a wish-fulfilling deity.

7. Narayana: Another name of Lord Vishnu.

8. Chatra Bhanga Ravana: Rama destroying Ravana’s pride, symbolic of conquering evil.

9. Rama & Hanuman: Lord Rama and his loyal devotee, Hanuman.

These deities reflect the all-encompassing nature of Lord Jagannath, incorporating various aspects of Vishnu and his incarnations. They represent his power, compassion, and his role as the protector of the righteous.

Goddess Subhadra’s Darpadalana Ratha

Goddess Subhadra’s chariot, Darpadalana, is accompanied by nine Parshwa Devis (attendant goddesses):

1. Bimala: A form of Goddess Lakshmi/Durga, symbolizing power.

2. Banadurga: A form of Durga, as the goddess of the forest.

3. Varahi: A boar-headed form of Shakti, representing fierce power.

4. Chamunda: A fearsome form of Durga, symbolizing the destruction of evil.

5. Bhubaneswari: One of the ten Mahavidyas, a representation of creation and wisdom.

6. Harachandi: A form of the Goddess Chandika, an embodiment of strength and victory.

7. Jayadurga: The Goddess of Victory.

8. Sarbamangala: The goddess of universal well-being and auspiciousness.

9. Ugratara: A fierce and powerful Tantric goddess, symbolizing divine strength.

The Parshwa Devis of Subhadra’s chariot embody different aspects of divine feminine power, their presence underscores the significance of Shakti (divine energy) in the cosmic order. These goddesses represent the power of protection, victory, and compassion.

Lord Balabhadra’s Taladhwaja Ratha

Lord Balabhadra’s chariot, Taladhwaja, is accompanied by nine Parshwa Devatas:

1. Baisi Bhuja Nrusingha (22-hands): A unique form of Nrusingha with twenty-two hands, showcasing the Lord’s might.

2. Pralambaari: Lord Balarama, the slayer of Pralamba, a demonstration of strength.

3. Gajaantaka: Another form of Krishna, symbolizing victory over the elephant demon, Kuvalayapida.

4. Lakshmana & Angada: Characters from the Ramayana, representing loyalty and devotion.

5. Kartikeya: The god of war.

6. Shankarshana/Basudeva: Another form of Lord Balabhadra.

7. Natambara Mahadeva: A form of Lord Shiva in his dancing aspect.

8. Dancing Ganesha: Lord Ganesha in a dancing pose, symbolizing joy and auspiciousness.

9. Balarama: Another form of Balabhadra, representing his strength, and also of his role as a loving brother to Krishna.

These deities accompanying Lord Balabhadra represent a synthesis of power, valor, and righteousness, reflecting his role as a protector and a divine warrior.

The Spiritual Significance of Parshwa Devatas

These Parshwa Devatas, though often overlooked, are an essential part of the spiritual significance of Rath Yatra. They remind us that the divine manifests in a multitude of forms and that devotion can take many paths. They add to the grand procession a sense of the divine universe, each one playing its own part in the ongoing cosmic drama.

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Jai jagannath 😊🙏