Niladri Bije - Ratha Jatra

Ratha Jatra or Ratha Yatra or Rath Yatra, also called the ‘Chariot Festival' of Puri Shree Jagannatha is a centuries-old festival of Odisha, India. It finds mention in many ancient texts like the Brahma Purana, Padma Purana, Skanda Purana, Kapila Samhita, Bamadeva Samhita, Niladri Mahodaya etc. 

Ratha Jatra is celebrated all over the world now.

This annual festival is celebrated on Asadha Shukla Paksha Dwitiya (second day in bright fortnight of Asadha month, the third month of the Odia calendar).

The rituals have been held systematically as per the tithi for hundreds of years. The preparations start early. The first lot of wood for constructing the Rathas reaches by Basanta Panchami, and Puja (Ratha Katha Anukula) is done. 

The construction of the chariots starts on the day of Akshaya Trutiya (the third day of the bright fortnight of the month of Baisakha). Skilled artisans and craftsmen construct the Rathas following centuries-old traditions. The size and specifications of the Rathas are fixed.

Ratha Jatra is the journey of Lord Jagannath, along with brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra from their abode, Shreemandira, to their birthplace, Shree Gundicha Temple. Thus, this is also called Gundicha Jatra.

Hera Panchami - When Maa Lakshmi Is Angry

Puri Dham is one of the most important places of visit for Hindus.

A rich cultural history and many festivals including the world-famous Ratha Jatra are associated with this holy place. 

Puri Dham is called the Shree Kshetra and the Shree Jagannatha Temple is called the Shreemandira.

Shree means Goddess Lakshmi. 

This shows Her importance.

She is the wife of Shree Jagannatha, the Lord of the Universe.

Many wrongly think that Ratha Jatra is a one-day festival and the festivities end that day. 

The journey starts on the second day of the bright fortnight of Asadha (month in Hindu/Odia calendar) that is celebrated as Ratha Jatra. 

The Ratha Jatra is also called Nabadina Jatra (nine-day journey). 

On the ninth day, Bahuda Jatra is held.

However, that is not the end of the Ratha Jatra.

Actually, the Ratha Jatra festivities come to an end on the twelfth day of the commencement of the journey. 

Niladri Bije ritual marks the completion of their journey with the deities entering the Shreemandira.

There are many traditions and significant centuries-old rituals are done.

On the fifth day of the Ratha Jatra, there is the Hera Panchami tradition.

Today is Hera Panchami.

"Hera" means "to see".

This evening, Maa Lakshmi will visit Shree Gundicha Temple to see Shree Jagannatha.

What does She do there?

Jagannath And Laxmi #AToZChallenge

Odisha is known as the 'Land of Jagannath'. Lord Jagannath is the presiding deity of Odisha. He is the family god in most Odia households. Lord Jagannath has a unique place in Odisha's history and Odia customs. But, He is not restricted to Odisha or India alone. He is everyone's God. The word 'Jagannath' means- 'Lord of the Universe'. 

Lord Jagannath is also called 'Jagabandhu' that means- 'Friend of the Universe.'
Lord Jagannath is the friend, philosopher and guide of the people of the entire Universe.

The culture of Odisha means Jagannath culture i.e. the culture of Jagannath - a unique embodiment of various faiths, religions, cultures and ideologies. The Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri, is mentioned in many ancient Sanskrit texts, such as the 'Padma Purana', 'Matsya Purana', 'Narada Purana' etc. In Odia, 'Purana' refers to 'holy book'.

The cult of Lord Jagannath advocates that people of all castes have the right to worship God and read scriptures. 

Lord Jagannath's wife, Goddess Laxmi, is very powerful. Maa Laxmi is the 'Goddess of Wealth'. She upholds justice and equality. She is against casteism and appreciates and rewards devotion. 

A story linked to Jagannath and Laxmi has been shared at the end of this post.

Lord Jagannath Temple at Puri is widely referred as- 'Shree Mandira' or 'Sri Mandira' i.e. the Temple of Mahalaxmi. 'Shree/Sri' means 'Laxmi' and 'Mandira' means Temple.

Book based on Laxmi Purana by Dash Benhur; Art by Tapan Moharana

Rasagola Dibasa In Social Media

Once a year, we get to find many posts, tweets and images celebrating Rasagola Dibasa #RasagolaDibasa. Our Social Media timelines get filled with information and tempting pictures of Rasagolas. This post has some FAQs about Rasagola Dibasa in Social Media.

What is Rasagola Dibasa? 

Rasagola Dibasa is a day in the honour of Rasagolas and also dedicated to the lovers of this delicious sweet/dessert. 

In Odia language, the word Dibasa means day.

#RasagolaDibasa means Rasagola Day.

#RasagolaDibasa is a day of celebration just like #PakhalaDibasa and #UtkalaDibasa; Rasagola-lovers celebrate Rasagolas on this day! 

How, when and where did Rasagola Dibasa begin?

Niladri Bije is the last day of the Ratha Jatra. On this day, devotees offer Rasagolas as 'bhoga' to Lord Jagannath. Thus, Rasagolas have been associated with Puri Jagannath's Ratha Jatra for centuries. 

Niladri Bije connection with Rasagolas

When the Gods enter the Temple after their trip to their aunt's place, Lord Jagannath is permitted to enter the Temple premises only after He placates His wife, Goddess Lakshmi by offering her Rasagolas. She is angry and asks many questions that Lord Jagannath answers during their conversation called 'Bachanika'. Sweet Rasagolas come to the rescue of the Lord of the Universe and help Him gain entrance!

In Social Media, the idea began on Twitter with the hashtag- #RasagolaDibasa with everyone's involvement starting from March 2015 onwards.

Why was Rasagola Dibasa proposed to be celebrated on Social Media?

Social Media has great power to educate people and dispel wrong notions. In Social Media, Rasagola Dibasa with the hashtag #RasagolaDibasa was proposed to celebrate Rasagolas. Social Media was the medium adopted to reach everyone and share about Odisha's Rasagola history and information that Odisha is the birthplace of the Rasagola. Many are not aware about Odisha's culture and Niladri Bije of Ratha Jatra that has the Rasagola connection for centuries now.

Rasagola has centuries-old link with Lord Jagannath Temple, Puri

Hera Panchami

Ratha Jatra or Rath Yatra is celebrated every year.

It is a grand festival that began in the Shri Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha, and is still celebrated as per the ancient rules. Ratha Jatra is also celebrated all over the world.

          

The three deities namely, Lord Jagannath and his siblings- Lord Balabhadra & Devi Subhadra go on their annual visit to their aunt's place. When the brothers along with their sister go for their Rath Yatra, they do not take Lord Jagannath's wife, Goddess Maa Lakshmi along with them. 

My Philosophy Of Handle With Care

Selected as a WOW Post here

There are many things that to me & you are dear.
They fill us with cheer; to spoil, break, lose them we fear

At all times they need to be handled with care!
Should anything untoward happen, there's no spare!

Apart from wealth & material possessions like gadgets, jewelry,
A lot others need our time & we need to treat them carefully.