Jagannath Rath Yatra Facts: Everyone knows about the world famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, why and when it is taken out. But many people are not aware of why Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra remain ‘sick’ for about 15 days. So let’s know what this tradition is
The Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath is famous all over the world. But few people know why Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra become ‘sick’ for about 15 days before the start of the Rath Yatra. During this period he is not even seen in the temple. At first glance this tradition seems strange, but behind it is hidden a very sweet message of deep religious belief, ancient tradition and the relationship of God with the devotees.
What is Snan Purnima?
On the day of Jyeshtha Purnima, a grand celebration of Snan Purnima takes place in the Shri Jagannath temple of Puri. On this day Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Goddess Subhadra and Sudarshan Chakra are brought out of the sanctum sanctorum of the temple to the bathing altar. His Mahaabhishek (bath) takes place with the water of 108 sacred urns amid Vedic mantras. Thousands of devotees reach Puri to see this divine bath.
Why does Lord Jagannath become ‘sick’ after bathing?
According to the belief, the Lord gets fever after bathing continuously in the cold water of 108 pots. That’s why they need rest like an ordinary human being. The same message is given through this tradition that God is connected to the happiness, sorrow and every emotion of life of his devotees. He is not only a deity but also very close to his devotees.
What is Ansar Kaal?
From the next day of Snan Purnima, the Lord is taken to a special room in the temple. This occasion is called Anasara Kala (Anasara Kala or Anavasara). This continues for 15 days. Meanwhile, regular darshan of the Lord remains closed for the devotees. ‘Ansar’ means staying away from public view.
What happens to Lord Jagannath if he remains ill for 15 days?
According to religious tradition, God is the cure. They are given tonic decoction made from special Ayurvedic herbs. Light and digestible food is offered. Sevayats (traditional temple servants) provide special service to the Lord. All the traditions of Lord’s repose are performed in the temple. It is believed that during this time God takes complete rest and gradually recovers.
How do devotees visit Lord Jagannath when he remains ill for 15 days?
When the Puri temple is closed for darshan of the Lord, devotees visit the Alarnath form of Lord Vishnu at the Alarnath temple (Brahmagiri, Odisha). It is believed that during Ansar period, Lord Jagannath appears to the devotees in the form of Alarnath. During this time, a crowd of lakhs of devotees gather there.
What is the philosophy of youth?
After about 15 days, when the Lord becomes completely fit, he is dressed in new clothes and decorated in a special way. After this the devotees are given their darshan for the first time. It is called Navayuvan Darshan or Netrotsav. ‘Youth’ means new energy, new shine and a new state of being. It is believed that after recovering from illness, God appears more stunning and more captivating than before. These darshans take place just before the Rath Yatra and are considered auspicious.
Contents Source: Skanda Purana (Utkal Khanda), Brahma Purana, Shri Jagannath Temple Administration Puri, Odisha Government publications on Jagannath culture (Odisha Review), based on research on traditional beliefs and Jagannath tradition of Alarnath temple (Brahmagiri).