Car Festival of Puri Jagannath
Shiva Narayan Singh
Lord Jagannath of Puri in Orissa on
the shore of Bay of Bengal is the reigning deity of
Hindus in general and people of Orissa in particular. Yet, his appeal is not
limited to any specific geographical, sectoral, cultural and national entity, rather it ascends to a universal level. This is why he is called ‘Jagannath” or the Lord
of the Universe. Devotees from around the world cutting across nationalities, regions
and religious beliefs throng with utmost devotion to have a glimpse of the lord
who is the symbol of synthesis, unity and integration.
Jagannath cult is so old and mystic that one cannot say
exactly when it originated. Various vedic literatures
and mythologies sing the glory of Jagannath or Purusottam as the incarnation of
Vishnu. From another research resources it has been
amply proved that this cult existed even prior to vedic era. According to these
sources Jagannath originally belonged to tribal ‘Sabara’ community and they
used to worship him secretly. Later he was brought to Puri. He being the
universal God belongs to all. Various sects like Vaishnab, Shaiba, Shakta,
Ganapatya, Buddhist, Jain find semblance of their
religious dogmas and symbols in Jagannath. Jagannath had also an ardent devotee
in the form of Salbeg who was incidentally muslim by
birth.
Lord
Jagannath and his abode at Puri has been attracting
many spiritual leaders representing various sects and religious communities.
Adi Shankaracharya selected it to establish ‘Gobardhan Peeth’. He also composed
‘Jagannathastakam’ (Sanskrit hymn with eight stanzas). Other religious leaders
and saints who came here and worshipped Jagannath were Madhwacharya, Nimbakacharya,
Sayanacharya, Ramanuj, Ramanand, Tulasi Das, Nanak, Kabir, Chaitanya and local
saints like Jagannath Das, Balaram Das, Achyutananda, Yasobant, Sishu Ananta
and Jayadev. Various Mutts and Ashram founded by these saints at Puri are still
in existence and are associated with Jagannath temple in some way or other.
According to mythological description King Indradyumna
brought Jagannath from Sabar King Biswabasu and constructed the original temple
which was later destroyed. Exactly when this original temple was built and
destroyed is not known. Jajati Keshari also built a temple. The present 65
metre high temple
was built by Chodagangadeb and Anangabhimadeb in 12th century. But
the cult of Jagannath has been existing from pre-vedic
age till now. In the present temple the presiding deity Jagannath is worshipped
along with brother Balabhadra and Sister Subhadra in the sanctum sanctorum. The
images have no legs, ears and nose. Only Jagannath and Balabhadra have two
hands each bereft of wrists and fingers. The images are made of Neem wood and
they are changed in every twelve years. There are many myths and folktales
about these images. The imposing temple stands in a compound surrounded by a 20
feet high wall within which lie several smaller shrines. A traditional porch,
sanctum sanctorum, hall of offerings and a pillared hall of dance form the rest
of the temple.
Puri
has been known by several names over the centuries such as Nilagiri, Niladri,
Nilachal, Purusottam, Shankha Kshetra, Sri Kshetra, Jagannath Dham and
Jagannath Puri.
Twelve
important festivals are celebrated here. But the most important among them
which has achieved international fame is Rath Yatra or Car Festival. This
festival falls in the month of Asadha (corresponding to June-July). Jagannath
alongwith brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra take an annual vacation to
Gundicha Ghar, their aunt’s house. The deities undertake this journey in
decorated chariots, this is why it is called ‘Rath
Yatra’ or Car Festival. The three deities in separate chariots are pulled by
devotees to the Gundicha temple on grand road. The names of the chariots are
Nandighosa (45.6 feet high), Taladwaja (45 feet high) and Darpadalan (44.6 feet
high) which are ascended by Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhdra respectively. The
chariots are elaborately made and decorated in a riot of colours symbolizing
the significance of each deity. Deities are brought from the temple to the
chariots which are parked outside in a tradition which is called ‘Pahandi
Bije’. The Gajapati king performs
‘Chhera Pahanra’ in which he has to sweep with a golden broom. Then only the
chariots are pulled. The deities remain in Gundicha temple for seven days and
return to the main temple in the same fashion. Thus ends the nine day long car
festival. When this unique tradition of car festival started is not known.
While the word ‘Rath’ finds mention in the Rig and Atharba Veda and the concept
of Sun God ascending the chariot is linked to mythologies, still some
researchers connect the car festival to Buddhist tradition.
The
significance of the car festival is that lakhs of devotees get the opportunity
to have a heart felt glimpse of their beloved deities. As if the deities come
outside to mingle with the general public. The car festival has become so
popular and it has assumed so much importance that it is no more limited to
Puri only. Similar car festivals are being celebrated at different places in
the country and in foreign countries too. Lord Jagannath’s worship is so
closely associated with the sentiment of Oriya people that one can find Jagannath Temple
car festival at almost every village and city of Orissa .
Lord Jagannath and his car festival
symbolize synthesis, unity and integration. Though seated at Puri he is the
Lord of universe and his sublime appeal is universal. All belong to him and he
belongs to all. All are equal before his wide eyes.
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