Jagannath festival an encounter akin to pilgrimage to Chardham

I AM 70 and battle to read spiritual books. I’ve heard of Chardham. Can you tell me about it as I don’t know much about this place? In recent months I’ve encountered unexpected obstacles, both spiritually and materially. PS

INDIA is known for its immense spirituality. Among its greatest spiritual places is the Chardham, in the Himalayas, which is divided into two important parts, one larger than the other.

“Char” means four and “dham” means abode of God (Chardham).

So it means the four holy abodes of God.

Every devout Hindu considers it a religious duty to embark on the pilgrimage to Chardham.

The greater part of

Chardham comprises Badrinath, Dwarka, Jaganath Puri and Rameshwaram, which are interestingly aligned to the four key cardinal points (north, south, east and west) and are almost along the same lines of longitude and latitude.

They are considered important spiritual sites for Hindus.

According to Hinduism, people believe that if a person visits all these holy destinations in Chardham with a pure heart, and promises never to sin again, not only the sins of their present life are eradicated but the sins from all of their births as well.

Hindus believe a person’s

MAHESH BANG

ancestors will also be pleased and ascend to a higher religious order because of descendants’ actions.

Thus a visit to the four areas in Chardham helps a person achieve Moksha (salvation).

The smaller part of Chardham is in the state of Uttarakhand and includes Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.

These places are collectively known as Chota (small) Chardham to differentiate them from the bigger circuit of this religiously significant area.

The serene atmosphere, closeness to nature, beautiful temples and warmth of the people in Chota Chardham grant a sense of purification, belonging and inclination to introspection.

Most Hindus aim to visit all the powerful temples in Chardham, especially the Jagannath Puri Temple.

“Jagannath” is a Sanskrit word which means “Lord of the Universe”. Lord Jagannath (Krishna) is worshipped at the Jagannath Temple, along with his brother, Balaram, and sister, Subhadra.

These idols are made of wood and Lord Krishna’s divine spark is embedded in these deities.

There is a special festival (Jagannath Rath Yatra, a chariot festival) usually an eagerly anticipated annual event involving the pulling of chariots owned by Jagannath, Balaram and Subhadra.

Due to circumstances, many of us can’t attend this Indian festival, but in Durban, we are fortunate enough to enjoy a similar experience. The coming Jagannath Rath Yatra festival (March 30 to April 2) will afford locals the opportunity of experiencing the “darshan” of the deities and pulling chariots.

The spiritual and astrological benefits of participating in this auspicious festival are:

A glimpse of Lord Jagannath while on a chariot during Rath Yatra would accord rapid spiritual progress.

Lord Jagannath is merciful and leaves his temple so all can easily access his mercy.

It is said that by pulling the chariot’s rope, any hurdle in a life journey will be easily removed.

It is believed that through devoted worship of lord Jagannath, a devotee’s wishes can be fulfilled.

The soul is raised up by dancing and chanting the Rath Yatra chant: “Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.”

Faith and devotion are crucial to turn your wishes into reality. This gives devotees an opportunity to improve their destiny.

Pulling the ropes of a chariot gives one strength in life.

Readers can send their name and surname, religion, date, place and time of birth and the advice they require to: Mahesh Bang, Tribune Herald, PO Box 47549, Greyville, 4023, or e-mail tribuneherald@inl.co.za or call him at: 083 659 2277 or 031 401 8888