For centuries, the vibrant city of Jagannatha Puri in India has witnessed the exuberant Festival of Chariots, known as Ratha-yatra. This grand event commemorates Lord Krishna, also called Jagannatha, whose divine form with captivating eyes and rugged features is lovingly carried atop a colossal chariot during this festivity. The ancient temple at the heart of Jagannath Puri reverberates with devotion for this beloved deity. Ratha-yatra serves as a poignant expression of the Lord’s boundless love for His devotees. He personally descends to visit His ardent followers and the public, who joyously welcome Him on the streets.
Legend tells us that Lord Krishna once overheard a conversation about the heartfelt longing of His dearest devotees, the cowherd maidens of Vrindavan, during His absence. Their overwhelming love in separation moved the Lord profoundly—His hair stood on end, His eyes widened with tears, and His limbs contracted in spiritual ecstasy. Witnessing Krishna in this ecstatic state, His elder brother Balarama (Baladeva) too experienced similar blissful symptoms. And when their sister Subhadra arrived, she too was overcome by boundless joy. Thus, the divine forms of Jagannatha, Subhadra, and Baladeva embody this enchanting pastime.
The Ratha-yatra festival symbolizes Lord Jagannatha’s yearning to reunite with His beloved devotees, particularly Srimati Radharani, foremost among them. Tradition holds that just before the festival, the Lord becomes lovesick. To uplift His spirits, His devoted servants organize a grand procession for Him to meet His adoring devotees. Majestically, Lord Jagannatha embarks on a majestic three-story-high chariot, accompanied by throngs of onlookers and lively marching bands with scores of drummers, singers, and dancers.
The following poem portrays the glorious festivities of the Jagannath Rath Yatra during the illustrious reign of Maharaja Pratap Rudra. It vividly captures the joyful celebration embraced by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and his devoted companions. Five centuries ago, Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the divine embodiment of Radha-Krishna, wholeheartedly inspired His followers to partake in the Ratha-yatra festival with immense fervor. Remarkable tales and enchanting episodes surrounding this grand occasion are beautifully chronicled in his biographies, such as the Chaitanya Charitamrita.
A Poem – Celebrating Jagannath Rath Yatra
In the realm of divine splendor and grace,
Where Lord Jagannatha finds His rightful place,
A grand procession, the Rath Yatra unfolds,
With celestial wonders and tales untold.
Lord Jagannatha, the universe’s caretaker,
Moves at His will, a divine undertaker,
From one sacred abode to another He goes,
To perform His pastimes, to bestow His repose.
As the Lord is carried from throne to car,
Musical instruments echo, near and far,
Chanting “Manima! Manima!” with all His might,
Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, hidden from sight.
King Prataparudra, humble and kind,
With a golden-handled broom, he did find,
Cleansing the road, a service of devotion,
For Lord Jagannatha, his deepest emotion.
Sandalwood-scented water he sprinkled with care,
The road adorned, a fragrant affair,
Though a king with a throne, he chose to serve,
For the Lord’s pleasure, he humbly swerved.
The Ratha car adorned, a sight to behold,
With gold-like glow, surpassing stories of old,
Towering high like Mount Sumeru’s peak,
Radiating majesty, making hearts weak.
Mirrors shimmered, camaras swayed,
Canopy and flag, a grand display made,
Silken cloth, pictures, a feast for the eyes,
Brass bells, gongs, ankle bells harmonize.
Three cars for the divine siblings to ride,
Jagannatha, Subhadra, Balarama side by side,
Gaudas pulled the car, their hearts filled with delight,
As the car sped fast, or slowed, by the Lord’s might.
Sometimes it stood still, resisting all force,
Moved not by strength, but a divine source,
For the will of the Lord governed its way,
Ordinary efforts held no sway.
Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, a whirlwind of fire,
Dancing, leaping high, His divine desire,
Earth trembled beneath His ecstatic feet,
Hills and seas tilted, in His presence sweet.
Blissful changes in His body, a sight so rare,
Stunned, hair erect, tears and perspiration’s share,
Laughter, trembling, a rainbow of emotions,
Helplessness, pride, exuberance, humble devotions.
Like a golden mountain rolling on the ground,
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s dance knew no bound,
Nityananda Prabhu stretched out His hands,
To catch the Lord as He joyfully expands.
Advaita Ācarya chanted “Haribol! Haribol!” with cheer,
Following the Lord, His voice loud and clear,
And as the car stood still, its wheels at rest,
Lord Jagannatha watched, His gaze blessed.
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, His divine dance unfurled,
Eight transformations of ecstasy, the world beheld,
His body covered in thorns, like the simuli tree,
Goosebumps, chattering teeth, a sight to see.
With perspiration and blood, His body flowed,
Sounds of “jaja gaga,” in ecstasy bestowed,
Tears like a syringe, drenched the crowd around,
Witnessing His divine love, their hearts were found.
Complexion changing from white to pink’s embrace,
Radiant as the mallika flower’s grace,
Stunned and motionless, like dry wood so still,
The Lord’s divine play, a wonder to fulfill.
His breath at times ceased, as He fell on the ground,
Devotees weakened, their hearts without sound,
Water from His eyes, foam from His mouth,
Nectar-like torrents, divine love’s eternal south.
In the grandeur of Jagannatha Rath Yatra’s delight,
Where the Lord’s divine presence ignites,
Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, with His celestial sway,
Blesses the world, in His dance’s array.