The Sacred Tahia of Jagannath

This act of dismantling the Tahia, though seemingly destructive, is a testament to the overwhelming love and devotion for Mahaprabhu. Those who witness the Tahia’s swing and feel a connection with the divine often report experiencing a similar internal vibration, a sense of unity with the Mahaprabhu. The maker of the Tahia, a Sevayat from a lineage entrusted with decorating the Trinity, understands this deeply. He finds solace in the outpouring of devotion, even as his painstaking work disappears into fragments.

Crafting the Tahias is a sacred duty. The Sevayat begins the process on Akshay Tritiya, months before Rath Yatra, creating three Tahias for each deity, with variations in size for Rath Yatra and Bahuda Yatra. Smaller Tahias are used during Rath Yatra to facilitate the deities’ exit from the narrower entrance of Srimandir, while larger ones adorn them during Bahuda. The Tahia, therefore, is not merely an ornament but a symbol of devotion, unity, and the powerful connection between Mahaprabhu Jagannath and his devotees.