Mahaprabhu Shree Jagannath embarks on a musical journey to Mausi Bari on chariot
Mail News Service
Seraikela, June 20: The traditional Rath Yatra, inspired by the famous Jagannath Dham Puri, commenced with great enthusiasm in Seraikela on Tuesday. Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath, accompanied by his sister Subhadra and elder brother Agraja Balabhadra, embarked on a procession from Shri Mandir to Mausi Bari on Tuesday evening. The event began with a splendid and special worship of Mahaprabhu at Shri Mandir, under the guidance of Pandit Brahmanand Mohapatra.
Following the worship, the idols of Mahaprabhu, along with Subhadra and Balabhadra, were ceremoniously carried by devotees towards the chariot stationed at Hanuman Chowk. The devotees walked in a traditional manner, and as per the customs, Seraikela King Pratap Aditya Singhdev led the procession, chanting prayers. Upon reaching the chariot, Seraikela Raja Pratap Aditya Singh Dev performed the departure ritual, offering worship to Mahaprabhu’s aunt while placing all three idols near the chariot.
Subsequently, amidst the chanting of mantras and the joyful exclamation of “Jai Jagannath, Jai Jai Jagannath,” the devotees carried the deities of Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath, Subhadra, and Balabhadra on the magnificent Nandighosh chariot. The Rath Yatra embarked on its journey towards Mausi Bari. After covering a distance of approximately 250 meters, the chariot was gently brought to a halt at Gopbandhu Chowk in Baddand, where it would rest for the night.
The first day’s program of the Mausi Bari Yatra concluded with a worship ceremony. The air was filled with fervor and devotion as the devotees celebrated the auspicious occasion, marking the commencement of the grand Rath Yatra. (w/nm)
Seraikela king performs Chhainra Paura ritual
The sacred Rath Yatra in Seraikela witnessed a significant tradition known as Chhainra Paura. As per the customary practice, Seraikela King Pratap Aditya Singhdev, displaying deep reverence, took part in this ancient ritual during the procession of Mahaprabhu Shree Jagannath, sister Subhadra, and elder brother Balabhadra from the Shree temple to the beautifully adorned chariot.
Following the age-old tradition, the king walked ahead of Mahaprabhu, carrying a broom made of kush (a sacred grass) in his hands. As he moved forward, the king sprinkled water mixed with kush onto the path and diligently swept the road, symbolizing purity and sanctity. This ritual, known as Chhainra Paura, holds immense significance in the Rath Yatra festivities.
Colorful rangoli adorns Rath Yatra route
The inaugural Rath Yatra in Seraikela witnessed a delightful addition this year as the route was adorned with captivating Rangoli designs. For the first time, intricate and vibrant Rangoli patterns embellished the path of the grand procession, becoming the center of attraction for devotees and onlookers alike.
Auspicious coincidence: Light drizzle accompanies Rath Yatra
As Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath embarked on his Rath Yatra from Shri Mandir, a gentle drizzle enveloped the area, creating an auspicious and symbolic atmosphere. The timely occurrence of the light rainfall has been regarded as a significant coincidence and a favorable omen for the grand procession by the wise and local residents.
JSS takes center stage in Rath Yatra inauguration
The successful inauguration of the Rath Yatra was made possible by the dedicated efforts of the Jagannath Seva Samiti (JSS). Under the guidance of the committee, led by Chairman Raja Singhdev and comprising Vice President Sudip Patnaik, Secretary Parthasarathi Das, and esteemed members such as Chiranjeevi Mohapatra, Parshuram Kavi, Rajeev Mohapatra, Badal Dubey, Sushant Mohapatra, Dukhu Ram Sahu, Rajesh Mishra, Bhola Mahanti, Dasharathi Pariksha, Ganesh Satpati, and Sumit Mohapatra, the Jagannath Seva Samiti played an active and commendable role in organizing the event.
Rath Yatra celebration at Sini
The auspicious occasion of Rath Yatra was celebrated with great fervor in Sini, where traditional worship rituals took center stage. As part of the festivities, the commencement of Mausi Bari Yatra was inaugurated with deep reverence, accompanied by the ceremonial worship of Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath.
Devotees gathered to pay homage to Mahaprabhu and participated in the age-old rituals with utmost devotion. The sacred atmosphere was filled with prayers and invocations for the well-being of all, as devotees offered their heartfelt wishes for happiness, peace, and prosperity.
