Rath Yatra or Ghosa Yatra in Srimandir – Part 1

Jai Jagannath, Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.

Mahaprabhu Sri Jagannath is a deity full of divine plays (Lila). Many festivals and celebrations of the Mahaprabhu are observed. It is said – ‘Thirteen festivals in twelve months.’ This number thirteen is quite symbolic. However, twelve major yatras (festivals/journeys) of the Mahaprabhu are observed within a single year. Besides these, many other festivals, celebrations, major yatras, and minor yatras (upayātrās) are celebrated in the Srimandir. The Srimandir is an abode of grand celebrations involving various festivals and journeys. However, the Mahaprabhu’s famous twelve yatras are described in the following shloka:

“manchasnanam rathobara gatih , shayanam chayanam dwe |
paswa bruti shayana nibrutti, parbana puspyapooja ||
dola keli damanaka chapi,kampapurna trutiyam |
esha jatram bhubana banditam , dwadasheyo narendra ||”

Meaning, these twelve yatras are:

1. Debasnana (The Grand Bathing Ceremony – Snana Yatra)

2. Srigundicha (The Chariot Festival – Rath Yatra)

3. Harishayana (The Lord’s ceremonial sleep)

4. Dakshinayana (Observance related to the Sun’s southern transit)

5. Parswa Paribartana (The turning of the Lord’s side during His sleep)

6. Debotthapana Yatra (The Lord’s awakening ceremony)

7. Prabarana Yatra (Offering of winter clothing)

8. Pushyabhisheka Yatra (Royal coronation ceremony in the month of Pushya)

9. Uttarayana Yatra (Observance related to the Sun’s northern transit)

10. Dola Yatra (Holi festival, Swinging festival)

11. Damanaka Yatra (Festival involving the offering of Damanaka or Dayana plant)

12. Akshaya Tritiya or Chandana Yatra (Beginning of the Sandalwood paste festival)

Including the Niladri Mahodaya, which occurs on the eighth day of the bright fortnight of the Baisakha month, thirteen yatras are sometimes mentioned.

Jai Jagannath, Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Namah

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