Rathjatra in my city

India
July 15, 2010 2:51am CST
The oldest Jagannath temple in my city was constructed, on the bank of river Mahanadi during reign of Raja Balabhadra Deb (1594-1620). At present there are 27 Jagannath temples in my city. Out of these, 25 observe the car festival. There is one close to my home, it is 200years old. As the streets in the old city where these temples are there, are narrow, the ‘Rath’ (Chariots) are not big like those of Puri, as I have said in my other discussion. The height is between 15’ to 20’ and 10’ to 12’ wide. All the three deities are accommodated in one chariot, but in the Rathjatra of Puri they are in three different. There is a tradition of getting our babies blessed by the deities on this occasion. My granddaughter ‘Subhee’ was also raised to the platform of the Chariot last evening. See the picture.We all feel blessed too. Don’t you feel happy and blessed when you visit temples, church or mosque? Comment on this story and share your views. Professor
2 people like this
4 responses
@bodhisatya (2384)
• India
15 Jul 10
I have heard many a times about the "Rath yatra" And I feel very excited and curious and would definitely like to be there and pull the rath, if He blesses me to do so. I would like to be in Puri sometime. My father has had some fond memories of that place and always narrates me some of his marvelous stories.
2 people like this
• India
16 Jul 10
Try to visit this place or my city friend.. Thanks . Welcome always. Cheers. Professor
@tigeraunt (6326)
• Philippines
16 Jul 10
dear professor, i have been so busy these past few days i just didnt have time to respond. when i reach home i am already very tired hence i prioritize sleep. thank you for your picture of subhee. i guess this looks like some procession? though i am not sure if the chariot moves from one place to another. its very unusual.. but am sure a very fun way to celebrate the occasion. it is more of a religious occasion than fun so blessings will be very abundant. have a nice day. ann
1 person likes this
• India
29 Jul 10
No problem Anny dear See i am also commenting so late, we have our own life, own time, i am also not keeping good health Thanks . Welcome always. Cheers. Professor
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
16 Jul 10
hi professor this is a lovely story and I am glad you had your little granddaughter blessed. I feel happy and blessed also when I go to church. I have not been able to go as often as I would have liked but we have worship here on Sundays too so am not totally lost.
1 person likes this
• India
16 Jul 10
Thanks for sharing Hatley dear. God bless you. Welcome always. Cheers. Professor
@airakumar (1553)
• India
15 Jul 10
I think this is amazing moment watching this amazing mela. I know that Ratha Jatra ???????? is a huge Hindu festival associated with Lord Jagannath held at Puri in the state of Orissa, India during the months of June Most of the city's society is based around the worship of Jagannath (Krishna) with the ancient temple being the fulcrum of the area. It is during this time that the three deities of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are taken out in a grand procession in specially made gigantic temple-like chariots called raths, which are pulled by thousands of devotees. Thanks.
1 person likes this
• India
15 Jul 10
subhee on rath blessed - This is picture of my granddaughter Subhee on the chariot near my home
Sorry the picture failed to load, let others see this, i am loading here.. Thanks for response. God Jagannth bless you friend, cheers. Professor. .