THE PURI JAGNATH RATH YATRA COMMENCED TODAY
A spectacular festival of India dating back to 11th century has been celebrated over these years by lakhs of people from all over the country. For the devoted and believers, it is considered the most auspicious occasion. A glimpse of the Vamana, the dwarf form, an incarnation of Lord Jagannatha, is sure to ensure emancipation, release from the cycle of birth and death.
The wisdom of the chariot has been explained in the Kathopanishada:
आत्मानं रथिनं विद्धि शरीरं रथमेव तु ।
बुद्धिं तु सारथिं विद्धि मनः प्रग्रहमेव च ।।
(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 sanctity of the festival is such that even a touch of the chariot or even the ropes with which these are pulled is considered enough to confer the results of several pious deeds or penance for ages.
The yatra also witness the coming together of all the spiritual forces of our civilization and awakens again and again the national conscience to the reality that the perennially flowing stream of spirituality is the soul of India.
It is the best example of our Unity in Diversity and is attended by millions of Indians from all over the country. The devotees following various customs and cultures engage themselves with complete devotion in pulling the carts, with little differences of mind.
The Puri Maha Prasad, which contains of completely desi ingredients, is also a unique example of our heritage.
Let the blessings of Jagannath, Balarama, and Subhadra shower upon all of us!
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