Festivals of Jagannath Temple
Many festivals are observed here every year which attracts many devotees during this period. Among all festivals, Rath Yatra is very important in which 3 main idols are carried to Gundicha Temple on separate Chariots. Some other festivals are :
- Chandan Yatra: It was celebrated for 42 days in a year and is known as the longest festival of this temple. This yatra was divided into two phases i.e., Bahara Chandana (21 days) and Bhitara Chandana (21 days). In the first phase, Chariots are built and the second phase is for rituals.
- Snana Yatra: This is the birthday of Puri Jagannath on the full moon day of Jyeshta month. In this yatra, rituals are performed on the basis of Skanda Purana. Many devotees believe that their sins will be cleaned if they visit on this day.
- Rath Yatra: This is a famous festival celebrated in June or July every year. Three idols are carried on different chariots and are pulled by devotees. The most important ritual of this yatra is Chhera Paharis (the Gajapati king dresses like a sweeper and sweeps the chariots). This ritual was carried out for two days. On the first day, rituals are carried out when idols are brought to Mausi maa Temple, and on the second day in Jagannath Temple. Another interesting fact of this yatra is sandalwood water and powder are sprinkled and roads are cleared with gold-handled brooms.
- Gupta Gundicha: Celebrated 16 days before Vijaya Dashami. Madhava and goddess Durga idol are brought to the temple for the first 8 days and for the next 8 days they are brought to Narayani temple.
- Nava Kalebara: This is celebrated when the lunar month of Ashadha is followed by another Ashadha. In this, old idols are buried and new deities are installed.
Importance Of Jagannath Temple
Jagannath Temple is famously known as Jagannath Puri or Simply Puri. This temple is in Orissa situated on the seashore of the Bay of Bengal. This temple got historical and religious significance. Rameshwaram, Dwarka, Badrinath, and Puri are the four holy kshetras of India. Jagannath is believed to be a form of Vishnu or Krishna avatar by Hindus. He is mostly worshipped in states like Bihar, Tripura, and Bangladesh.