It describes the legend of Lord Jagannath Yatra also known as the Chariot Festival, the Car Festival.

1. LORD JAGANNATH YATRA
THE CHARIOT FESTIVAL
THE CAR FESTIVAL
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2. JAI JAGANNATH! JAI SUBHADRA! JAI BALBHADRA!

3. INTRODUCTION
According to folklore and religious texts, the story of Lord Jagannath revolves around
the mythical origins of the deity and the construction of the famous Jagannath Temple
in Puri.

4. THE STORY
The story goes that Lord Jagannath, along with his brother Balabhadra and sister
Subhadra, appeared in the dreams of King Indradyumna of Malwa.
The king was deeply moved by these divine visions and sought guidance from a sage
named Narada.
Narada informed the king that the deities were none other than Lord Vishnu and his
siblings, who had manifested themselves in wooden forms.

5. THE CARVING OF IDOLS & THE CONDITION
Inspired by the divine revelation, King Indradyumna dispatched a team of skilled
artisans and craftsmen to carve the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and
Subhadra.
The murtis of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are made of neem wood. Neem
wood is chosen because the Bhavishya Purana declares it to be the most auspicious
wood from which to make Vishnu murtis.
However, there was one condition: the artisans were instructed to work inside a locked
room and not open the doors until the work was complete.

6. CURIOUSTY PLAYS SPOIL-SPORT
The artisans agreed and began their task, but as time passed, curiosity got the better
of the queen.
She opened the door to check on the progress, only to find unfinished idols.
This act was considered impious, and the deities decided to complete their own
manifestation in the unfinished forms.
As a result, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are worshipped in the
temple as unfinished idols, without hands or feet.

7. RATH YATRA
It is believed that the divine energy resides in these wooden forms, and every year
during the Rath Yatra festival, the deities are taken out of the temple in grand
processions. They are placed on massive chariots and pulled by thousands of
devotees to Gundicha Temple, located a short distance away.
This event attracts millions of devotees who seek blessings and participation in this
sacred journey.
The story of Lord Jagannath reflects the essence of devotion, faith, and the power of
divine intervention in Hindu faith.
The Jagannath Temple in Puri remains one of the most revered and visited pilgrimage
sites in India.

8. LEGEND AND SIGNIFICANCE
- According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Jagannath is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
- The legend states that Lord Jagannath expressed his desire to visit his birthplace,
Gundicha Temple, once a year, along with his siblings.
- The yatra symbolizes the journey of Lord Krishna, Lord Balarama, and their sister
Subhadra from Dwarka to Vrindavan.
- The yatra signifies unity, inclusiveness, and the bond between devotees and the
divine.

9. PREPARATIONS AND RITUALS
- The preparations for the yatra begin months in advance.
- The construction of three colossal chariots commences using traditional techniques:
(a) Nandighosa (Lord Jagannath's chariot),
(b) Taladhwaja (Balabhadra's chariot), and
(c) Darpadalana (Subhadra's chariot).
- The chariots are built with specific types of wood from Phassi and Dhausa trees, and their
construction is supervised by skilled artisans.
- The idols of the deities are carefully transferred to the chariots, signifying their readiness for
the journey.

13. THE YATRA BEGINS
- On the day of the yatra, devotees gather at the Jagannath Temple complex in Puri, eagerly
awaiting the procession.
- The deities are ceremonially placed in the beautifully decorated chariots.
- The chariots are then pulled by thousands of devotees using ropes.
- The procession moves through the streets of Puri, covering a distance of about three
kilometers to reach the Gundicha Temple.
- The sight of the massive chariots, the sound of devotees' chants, and the atmosphere of
devotion create a truly mesmerizing experience.

14. RITUALS AT GUNDICHA TEMPLE
- At the Gundicha Temple, the deities reside for nine days, which is known as the
"Nava-kale-vara" period.
- During this time, rituals and ceremonies are performed by the temple priests.
- Devotees throng the temple to catch a glimpse of Lord Jagannath, seek blessings,
and offer prayers.
- The festivities include cultural programs, devotional songs, and spiritual discourses.

15. ADHARA PANA FESTIVAL
The breaking of the earthen pots on the Chariots is purposefully done because the
drink is not meant for the human being.
It is believed that various invisible ghostly bodies, evil spirits and dissatisfied souls
trail the Deities during the Car Festival. The Adhara Pana which spills over the
Chariots after breaking of the earthen pots by the servitors is neither meant for the
devotees nor the servitors but for the subsidiary Deities (Parswa Devatas) of the
chariots and all these invisible ghostly bodies.
It is also believed that after consuming the Adhara Pana these ghostly bodies get
satisfied and attain Mokshya (Salvation).
Who can be more Merciful than Jagannath?

16. THE RETURN JOURNEY
- After the nine-day stay at Gundicha Temple, the deities embark on the return
journey to the Jagannath Temple.
- This return journey is known as the "Bahuda Yatra."
- The chariots are pulled back to the Jagannath Temple with the same enthusiasm and
devotion as during the initial procession.
- The Bahuda Yatra concludes with the ceremonial re-entry of the deities into the main
temple.

17. NILADRI BIJE (VIJAY) FESTIVAL OR
HAPPY RASGULLA DAY
Before going for Rathyatra - Sri Jagannath Ji promised Lakshmi Ji to back soon.
But now it has been over 8 days that the Lord did not return.
Hence out of separation Lakshmi Ji becomes angry
on Jagannath - She allows Baladev Ji & Subhadra to enter the Shri Mandir. But does Not
allow Jagannath Ji to enter the Sri Mandir
Upon seeing Her in anger, Sri Jagannath apologises & pacifies Lakshmi Ji & requests Her to
allow Him to enter the Shri Mandir.
Out of Love, the Lord offers Her delicious Rasgulla & asks forgiveness.
Upon seeing the Lord's sincere efforts, Shri Lakshmi Ji allows the Lord to enter the Shri Mandir
in Puri, thus completing the festivities of Rathyatra Mahotsav

18. BHOG AND PRASAD
Bhog refers to the food or sacred offering that is first offered to the deities during
worship and then distributed among the devotees as Prasad, a divine blessing.
The Bhog offered to Lord Jagannath holds great significance in the worship and
rituals associated with the deity.
Lord Jagannath's prasad holds a special place. It is said that Lord Jagannath himself
consumes the food offered to him and blesses it with his divine presence. This belief is
based on the unique rituals performed in the Jagannath Temple.

19. BHOG AND PRASAD…
The food offered to Lord Jagannath is known as "Mahaprasad" or "Anna-Brahma." It is
considered highly sacred and is believed to be sanctified by the touch of the deity.
The Mahaprasad consists of various vegetarian dishes, including rice, dal (lentils), vegetable
curries, sweets, and other preparations.
Devotees eagerly partake in the Mahaprasad as it is believed to bestow spiritual blessings
and divine grace.
It is considered an act of receiving the Lord's blessings and nourishment.
The Mahaprasad is believed to have the power to purify one's body, mind, and soul, and it is
said to remove any impurities or sins.

20. BHOG AND PRASAD…
Another unique aspect of the Mahaprasad is the belief that it is offered without any
discrimination. Regardless of one's caste, creed, or social status, everyone is allowed
to partake in the Prasad. This tradition symbolizes the egalitarian nature of Lord
Jagannath's worship and promotes unity and inclusiveness among devotees.
The distribution of the Mahaprasad is carried out in the Jagannath Temple complex,
where it is served in leaf plates known as "Patras."
Devotees eagerly line up to receive the Prasad and consider it a blessed offering
from the deity himself.

21. BHOG AND PRASAD…
It serves as a tangible connection between the devotee and the divine, fostering
devotion, gratitude, and a sense of unity among the worshipers.

22. CONCLUSION
- The Lord Jagannath Yatra is a remarkable celebration that showcases the rich
cultural heritage and religious fervor of the people of India in general and Odisha in
particular.
- It brings people from different backgrounds and communities together in a spirit of
unity and devotion.
- The yatra serves as a reminder of the divine journey of Lord Jagannath and the
values of love, compassion, and inclusiveness

23. QUIZ TIME
Q1. The world-famous annual Jagannath Rath Yatra began on which date in 2023?
A. 20 June
B. 12 July
C. 21 June
D. 10 July
Ans. A (20 June 2023)

24. QUIZ TIME
Q 2. What are the colours of Lord Jagannath's Chariot?
A. Red and Blue
B. Green and Blue
C. Golden and Green
D. Red and Yellow
Ans. D (Red and Yellow)

25. QUIZ TIME
Q 3. The return journey of the three siblings from Gundicha temple is known as...?
A. Bhadra Yatra
B. Bahuda Yatra
C. Sunabesha Yatra
D. None of the above
Ans. B
Explanation: The three siblings leave their Aunt’s house and embark on the ‘Bahuda
Yatra’ (the return journey).

26. QUIZ TIME
Q 4. The yatra ends with the ......, which marks the return of the deities into the
Garbha-Griha?
A. Nira Bujen
B. Niladri Bije (Vijay)
C. Griha Yatra
D. None of the above
Ans. B
Explanation: The yatra ends with the Niladri Bije (Vijay), which marks the return of
the deities into the Garbha-Griha.