Annual Rath Yatra in Sri Sri Jagannath Temple Enthralls Bilaspur with Traditional Splendor
Dispatch News.
Rath Yatra in Sri Sri Jagannath Temple, located in Bilaspur Railway Zone, has been going on for several decades. Following the practice of Sri Sri Jagannath Puri Dham, located in Orissa, a Rath Yatra was taken out. On Tuesday, with the same traditions, the Rath Yatra started from Sri Sri Jagannath Temple in the afternoon. According to the belief, after bathing Lord Jagannath Devi Subhadra and Baldau with 108 Kalash on Snan Purnima, it is believed that all three lords fell ill. After which, the temple doors were closed, and they received treatment with decoction medicine and digestible food according to the Ayurvedic method. After 15 days of treatment, all three recovered, and then the Netra Utsav and Navjoban festivals were celebrated in the temple. According to ancient legend, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra have become weak after being unwell on Snan Purnima, so they go to Gundicha temple at their house at the invitation of their maternal aunt. This journey is called the Rath Yatra.
By accepting the affection and hospitality of the maternal aunt for a week and consuming bhog served by her, the three brothers and sisters become healthy and then return to their temple.
Lord Jagannath Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra rode on the chariot with the sound of musical instruments. In the spirit of clearing their way ahead of the Lord, following the tradition of Chher Pahra, city MLA Shailesh Pandey swept the road, after which the idols were installed. MLA Shailesh Pandey and his wife, Ritu Pandey, and other dignitaries offered prayers.
City MLA Shailesh Pandey told the historical tradition that he wished Lord Jagannath happiness, prosperity, peace, good health, and success for the entire Bilaspur community. He participates as a devotee in the Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra every year. MLA Shailesh Pandey expressed his gratitude to the organising committee, public representatives, and the people. He announced that he would give one month’s salary to Sri Sri Jagannath Puja Samiti Utkal Samaj.
