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Jagannaatha-Swaamy,
Nayanapathagaami Bhavatu Mey |
O, Lord Jagannath (Lord of the Universe), may I see your presence as far as my
vision can spread.
Rath Yatra, also known as Car Festival, is one of the principle festivals for the Hindus. In the Hindu month of Ashadha on 2nd day of the lunar fortnight that falls during June-July, it is feted in commemoration of the return of Lord Krishna (Jagannath, or Jagannatha, pronounced as Jagannaatha) to his abode in Vrindavan after a long period of separation from the residents over there. Rath Yatra has a special significance for the people of Puri where it is celebrated in grandeur in the premises of Lord Jagannath temple of Puri. Etymologically speaking, Rath Yatra consists of two words namely rath, which symbolizes chariot and yatra, which stands for a pilgrimage, a journey or a procession. |
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Accordingly, Rath Yatra signifies a procession of multicolored chariots in association with enough fun and fiesta.
Even in the ancient scriptures one finds reference of Rath Yatra. Various legends and myths all related to Rath Yatra are still popular in the minds of people.
The impact of the huge RathYatra can also be sensed by how the English word 'Juggernaut' originated from the word "Jagannath". 'Juggernaut' implies to a massive inexorable force that seems to crush everything in its way.
Several cultural groups have contributed in popularizing Rath Yatra worldwide. In fact Rathayatra is celebrated by Lord Krishna devotees when His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and his pioneer American disciples introduced it to the western world.
The concept of the chariot has been explained in the Kathopanishada
in the following words-
Atmanam rathinam viddhi sareeram rathamevatu
Buddhim tu saarathim viddhi marah pragrahameva cha.
(The body is the Chariot and the soul is the deity installed in the chariot.
The wisdom acts as the charioteer to control the mind and thoughts.)
The Skanda Purana glorifies the sanctity of the Rath Yatra in the
following words-
Gundicha mandapam namam yatrahamajanam pura Ashwamedha
sahasrasya mahabedi tadadvabat.
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