We all are acquainted with the age old celebration surrounding ‘Rath Yatra’. Many of us have been fortunate enough to witness the grand celebration at Puri Jagannath Temple. Some time back I stumbled across some facts about it. Thought of sharing it with you all. So go on. Give it a read.
1. The idol of Sri Jagannath is made of ‘Neem’(Azadirachtin indica).
2. It is said that the famous Jagannath Temple does not cast any shadow, be it any time of the day, or any time of the year, this massive structure hasn’t got its shadow.
3. Everyday 56 different items of food is offered to the deity as ‘bhog‘.
4. In the earlier days, Pilgrims had to pay a tax to visit the place. In the year 1805, it was removed by the then ‘British Raj’.
5. In the year 1821, famine and pox had crippled the state. The natives had turned down and had not been jovial with the state of conditions. As a result that year, the chariots were left stranded alone on the road. Later on the Pandits somehow managed to complete the rituals.
6. In 1809, Charles Buller, MP, Cornwall, had paid a visit to Puri. He witnessed a devotee self-sacrificing under the wheels of the Chariot, as it was considered as a holy act, which washes away sin.
7. It is believed that by touching the rope, or pulling the Chariot, it helps one to acquire ‘Moksha‘ (salvation) from the cycle of rebirth.
8. Some believe that if people put a little cut part of hair under the Chariot’s wheel, the hair will grow long as the distance the wheels cover.
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