Balagandi Previously the chariots were made in two sets (for a total of 6) because the road from Jagannatha temple to Gundicha was cut in half by the Banki Malini and Saradha rivers. The Deities were then moved from one set of chariots to the other set, by crossing the river. At the times of King Narasimha, both the Atharnala bridge and the Malini bridge were built. It is said that King Kapilendradeva met Madhvacharya who was visiting Puri at that time, and Madhavacharya advised the King to fill up the rivers. The area is now known as Sraddha Bali, where the temple of Mausima and the Salabega Matha still stand. Jagannatha’s chariot stops at Mausima to take podapitha (a special pancake). Some say that Mausima (“aunt”) is Sriya (the daughter of hunter Jara) who used to offer the same dishes to Sabari Narayana (Nila Madhava). On the way many Mathas of Puri come forth to offer Panthi Bhoga. The journey of the chariots along Grand Road is the peak moment of the festival, with the religious sentiments surging in the crowds that welcome the approaching Deities from the road as well as from all the buildings along it. During the Ratha Yatra day devotees climb practically on every roof and balcony, crowd all windows and shops. House owners and shopkeepers also make some extra money by renting space and chairs from which pilgrims can watch the procession. Groups of sadhus and devotees sing and dance in the road, sometimes carrying the picture of their Guru or other sacred symbols such as banners with mantras, potted Tulasi plants, and sometimes even small Deities. Sometimes devotees, especially with children, bring miniature chariots to the festival and perform miniature Yatras in areas that are relatively free from crowds. From time to time, devotees and pilgrims take turns in joining the police force in pulling the ropes of the chariots. Finally the chariots reach the temple of Gundicha – called Gundicha Ghara rather than Gundicha Mandira because it is used as a temple only during the Ratha Yatra. If they cannot reach Gundicha in the evening of the same day, the chariots stop at whatever place they have reached and spend the night there. Darshana goes on continuously until late at night and many people climb on the chariots to go and embrace the Lord. Then the next morning the chariots start again and travel until they reach Gundicha. In front of Gundicha a Mahasnana (a special bathing ceremony) is performed by Puja Pandas, then the Deities are dressed in Boirani cloth and offered, with a worship ceremony with 16 upacharas, a lunch of dry food that has been cooked at the Chunamundi (kitchen) at the Gundicha Temple. Madhyana Dhupa is followed by all the usual rituals such as Sandhya Arati, Sandhya Dhupa, Chandana Lagi and Bada Shringara, all of which take place on the chariots. Then after Badashringara the Palia Pushpalakas cover the Deities with the srimukha khandua and leave the chariots. The Paharabalas (security guards) tie a curtain around the Simhasana of each chariot. In ancient times all the Sevakas and devotees used to spend the night around the chariots, but this tradition has been discontinued and only policemen stand guard to the chariots during the night. The next day all the rituals starting from Mangala Arati till Sandhya Dhupa take place on the chariots. Finally the Deitites enter the Gundicha Ghara in the pahandi procession called Goti Pahandi – Sudarshana, Baladeva, Subhadra and Jagannatha, accompanied by the sound of the vijayakahali, the “trumpet of victory”. The Mahajanas carry Madana Mohana and Rama Krishna and place Them on the throne in the store house in Gundicha, called Bhandara Ghara. This ceremony is called Adapa Vijaya, just like the return into Jagannatha temple is called Niladri Vijaya. After the change of dress the Daitas unfasten the large Deities from the seats on the chariots and carry Them down. The Chamu Khuntia calls the Lord, “Manima! Manima!” and the Pujaris present garlands, chandana paste and refreshments. The worship continues with offering of incense, camphor lamp, 7 wicks lamps, durba grass with raw rice, sweet betel and other articles, then the Deities enter Gundicha and are offered Panthi Bhoga on Their way into the Adapa Mandapa.
Posted on: Fri, 07 Jun 2013 10:36:13 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015