Ratha Yatra, also known as the Chariot Festival, is a grand Hindu festival celebrated annually in the city of Puri, Odisha, India. It is primarily associated with Lord Jagannath, the presiding deity of the famous Jagannath Temple in Puri. The festival attracts millions of devotees from all over the world who gather to witness and participate in the event.

Ratha Yatra, also known as the Chariot Festival, is a grand Hindu festival celebrated annually in the city of Puri, Odisha, India. It is primarily associated with Lord Jagannath, the presiding deity of the famous Jagannath Temple in Puri. The festival attracts millions of devotees from all over the world who gather to witness and participate in the event.

The Ratha Yatra of Lord Jagannath is a procession wherein the deities - Lord Jagannath (an incarnation of Lord Krishna), his sister Subhadra, and his elder brother Balabhadra - are taken out of the temple premises in beautifully decorated chariots and pulled by thousands of devotees through the streets of Puri.

The preparations for Ratha Yatra begin months in advance. Skilled artisans construct the towering and intricately carved chariots using wood, ropes, and colorful fabrics. The chariots are massive structures, each dedicated to a specific deity. The chariot of Lord Jagannath, called Nandighosa, is the largest among the three and has 18 wheels. Balabhadra's chariot is called Taladhwaja and has 16 wheels, while Subhadra's chariot, known as Darpadalana, has 14 wheels.

On the day of Ratha Yatra, devotees gather in large numbers around the Jagannath Temple and eagerly await the procession to begin. The deities are brought out of the temple and placed on their respective chariots. Amidst the chants, hymns, and devotional songs, the devotees pull the ropes of the chariots, with utmost devotion and enthusiasm, to take the deities to the Gundicha Temple.

The procession covers a distance of approximately three kilometers from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, which is considered to be the abode of Lord Jagannath's aunt. The journey of the deities is a symbolic representation of their visit to their aunt's place. The chariots move slowly through the crowded streets, accompanied by a vibrant procession of devotees, musicians, dancers, and performers.

The atmosphere during Ratha Yatra is charged with devotion and spiritual fervor. People from different backgrounds and walks of life come together to participate in the event, offering prayers, seeking blessings, and expressing their love for Lord Jagannath. The air resonates with the sound of conch shells, drums, and cymbals, creating a festive and joyous ambiance.

Upon reaching the Gundicha Temple, the deities stay there for a period of nine days. This period is known as the Bahuda Yatra. Afterward, the deities are brought back to the Jagannath Temple in a similar procession called the Ulta Ratha Yatra or the return journey.

Ratha Yatra holds immense significance in Hindu mythology and is considered an occasion of immense spiritual merit. It is believed that even a glimpse of Lord Jagannath during the procession can cleanse one's sins and grant salvation. The festival promotes unity, devotion, and a sense of community as people from all walks of life come together to partake in the divine journey of Lord Jagannath.

Ratha Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri is not only a religious event but also a cultural spectacle that showcases the rich traditions, art, and craftsmanship of the region. It is a celebration of faith, devotion, and the divine bond between the deities and their devotees.

Lord Jagannath, a deity worshipped primarily in the state of Odisha, India, has been a subject of various literary works throughout history. Here are a few notable literary references to Lord Jagannath:

1. Shri Jagannath Astakam: This Sanskrit composition by Adi Shankaracharya is a devotional hymn consisting of eight verses dedicated to Lord Jagannath. It praises the divine qualities and forms of Lord Jagannath and expresses the devotee's reverence and surrender to the deity.

2. Jagannath Vallabha Natakam: Written by Goswami Tulsidas, the renowned poet and saint, this play in Braj Bhasha (a dialect of Hindi) portrays the divine leelas (pastimes) of Lord Jagannath. It narrates the stories of Lord Jagannath's incarnation and his interactions with devotees and divine personalities.

3. Niladri Mahodaya: Authored by Balaram Das, a 16th-century Odia poet, this literary work is an epic poem dedicated to Lord Jagannath. It describes the divine glories of Lord Jagannath, the rituals and customs associated with the Jagannath Temple, and the significance of pilgrimage to Puri.

4. Jagannatha Vijaya: Also known as Odia Bhagavata, this poetic work by Sarala Das, a 15th-century Odia poet, narrates the life and divine exploits of Lord Jagannath, including his childhood, marriage, and the establishment of the Jagannath Temple in Puri. It combines mythology, history, and religious teachings.

5. Jagamohana Ramayana: Written by Balaram Das, this unique composition is an Odia adaptation of the Ramayana, with Lord Jagannath as the central character. It portrays Lord Jagannath as Lord Rama, his brother Balabhadra as Lord Lakshmana, and their sister Subhadra as Goddess Sita.

These are just a few examples of the literature dedicated to Lord Jagannath. The Jagannath cult has inspired countless poets, scholars, and devotees to express their devotion, love, and reverence for the deity through various literary forms. These works not only celebrate the divine attributes of Lord Jagannath but also provide insight into the cultural, historical, and spiritual significance associated with him. 

Sanskrit verse that praises Lord Jagannath along with an English translation:

Sanskrit Verse:

जगद्गुरोः प्रभुः सोऽधिनाथः श्रीमान् अखण्डब्रह्मण्याद्यात्मजात्मन् ।

जगदाश्रयः प्रभुराधिराजः सर्वेश्वरो जगन्नाथ गौरीशः ॥

English Translation:

Jagadguroh prabhu so'dhinaathaḥ śrīmān akhaṇḍabrahmaṇyādyātman ।

Jagadāśrayaḥ prabhu rādhirājaḥ sarveśvaro jagannātha gaurīśaḥ ॥

Translation and Interpretation:

The Lord of the universe, the Supreme Teacher, the Sovereign Ruler, the Divine Consort of Gauri (Parvati),

The Supreme Soul who is the eternal and unbroken essence of Brahma,

The Shelter of the universe, the Lord of devotion and the divine King,

The All-pervading God, the Sovereign Lord Jagannath.

This verse describes Lord Jagannath as the Jagadguru (Supreme Teacher) and the Adhinatha (Sovereign Ruler) of the world. It recognizes him as the embodiment of the unbroken essence of Brahma (the ultimate reality), the divine consort of Gauri (Parvati), and the supreme soul who is the shelter and refuge of the entire universe. Lord Jagannath is praised as the all-pervading God and the Sovereign Lord who reigns over all.

 Astakam composed by another poet, Shri Nimbarkacharya, which praises Lord Jagannath. Here are a few verses from the Jagannathastakam:

Sanskrit Verse 1:

निजनर्तनखेलदिव्यमुदारतापनोटीकांचित-सन्दोहनीम्।

सुन्दरनीलनवलद्वयहस्तामितिद्वंद्वं दयासिन्धुरूपम्॥

English Translation 1:

I bow to the beautiful and compassionate Lord Jagannath,

Whose divine form is adorned with a crown and peacock feathers,

Whose lotus-like hands bring joy and dispel fear,

And who is like an ocean of mercy.

Sanskrit Verse 2:

कुचराचलसंचारिवलयांकनेत्रं कुठार-नामविहारिणम्।

सुखदातारमीश्वराग्रहरचनध्वांसयुक्तं जगन्नाथम्॥

English Translation 2:

I worship Lord Jagannath, whose eyes resemble blooming lotus flowers,

Who wanders gracefully on the hills, like a playful elephant,

Whose form brings happiness to his devotees,

And who resides in the sacred abode of Puri.

These verses reflect the devotion and admiration for Lord Jagannath, praising his divine qualities and expressing reverence. Although these verses are not from an Astakam composed by Adi Shankaracharya, they offer glimpses into the devotion and love that devotees hold for Lord Jagannath.

excerpts from the Ramcharitmanas by Goswami Tulsidas, along with English translations:

Excerpt 1:

बिनु राम नाम तिहुँ लोक गाँव।

बिनु राम अरु न धरहिं ग्राम॥

तासु निसिचर संहार भयउ।

रघुपति आगें चरन बढ़यउ॥

Translation:

Without the name of Lord Rama, the entire universe is barren,

Without Rama, villages and towns are lifeless.

By uttering His name, even the demons were annihilated,

Therefore, I step forward to bow at the feet of Lord Rama.

Excerpt 2:

बिनु जोरि करि विधि न सकें जाके।

ब्रत न चालहिं न जपहिं नाम लेके॥

ग्रन्थ न पढ़हिं क्रम न धरहिं पानी।

मन भजहिं रघुपति चरन जोधानी॥

Translation:

Without strength, one cannot follow the prescribed rituals,

Unable to observe fasts or chant His name.

Reading scriptures or performing rituals hold no value,

But the mind should constantly worship the feet of Lord Rama.

Excerpt 3:

मन कहि बिप्रतिपद कहहिं नाहीं।

कहहिं बचन तें सब सुख माहीं॥

बिनय करैं बचन अभिमानी।

नर करें नव विधि साध गानी॥

Translation:

The mind may speak various things, but it is insignificant,

True happiness lies in uttering words of devotion.

Without humility, even eloquent words are in vain,

One cannot achieve spiritual progress with pride.

These excerpts from the Ramcharitmanas encapsulate the essence of devotion, the power of Lord Rama's name, and the importance of sincerity and humility in spiritual practice. The Ramcharitmanas is a profound work that beautifully narrates the life and teachings of Lord Rama while imparting timeless wisdom and spiritual guidance.

Few more excerpts from the Ramcharitmanas, along with interpretation:

Excerpt 1:

धरउं राम पद कबहुँ न धीरा।

जो नर चित्त धरइ कहि धीरा॥

Translation:

I cannot find a fitting expression for Lord Rama's divine qualities,

Even the most courageous person fails to grasp them fully.

Interpretation:

This verse emphasizes the incomparable greatness and divine qualities of Lord Rama. Tulsidas acknowledges that human language and understanding fall short in fully capturing the depth and magnitude of Lord Rama's virtues.

Excerpt 2:

राम कृपाल अपरम परमेश्वर।

अज अनुपम गुण गण विचार॥

Translation:

Lord Rama, the merciful and supreme Lord,

Possesses incomparable qualities beyond imagination.

Interpretation:

Here, Tulsidas praises Lord Rama as the embodiment of supreme compassion and limitless divine virtues. He acknowledges that the qualities and attributes of Lord Rama are unparalleled and cannot be comprehended fully by ordinary human intellect.

Excerpt 3:

भगत वत्सल जगदीश निरञ्जन।

रघुपति जन पाहुन उदारूण॥

Translation:

O Lord of the universe, the compassionate protector of devotees,

Please uplift the humble servants of Lord Rama.

Interpretation:

Tulsidas invokes Lord Rama as the loving and caring Lord of the universe. He appeals to the Lord to shower His grace upon the devotees and bless them with liberation and spiritual upliftment.

These excerpts from the Ramcharitmanas highlight the profound devotion and reverence of Goswami Tulsidas towards Lord Rama. They convey the depth of Lord Rama's divine qualities and the plea for His grace and protection. The Ramcharitmanas is a timeless epic that inspires spiritual seekers and imparts teachings on righteousness, devotion, and the path to liberation.