What is the significance of the ropes of Jagannath Rath Yatra? Know why they are considered so sacred

The divine Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath is being taken out in Puri. Like every year, this time also lakhs of devotees are participating in this historical and religious festival. Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra are seated in three different chariots and Goddess Gundicha...

The divine Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath is being taken out in Puri. Like every year, this time too lakhs of devotees are participating in this historical and religious festival. Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra sit in three different chariots and depart towards the temple of Goddess Gundicha. This Rath Yatra is not only a religious festival but is a symbol of India's cultural unity and faith. The boundaries of caste, religion, class and language end in this festival and everyone participates in the desire to have the darshan of the Lord and pull the chariot.

The ropes, which are as sacred as the chariot

Devotees flock to pull the chariot. But the special thing is that not only the chariots, the ropes that pull them also have equal religious and mythological importance. Touching these ropes is also considered like touching God. Every chariot rope has a special name and there is a mythological story behind each name.

Name of the chariot rope of Lord Jagannath: Shankhachud

The rope that pulls Lord Jagannath's chariot is named 'Shankhachud'. There is an ancient story behind this - a demon Shankhachud tried to kidnap Lord Jagannath thinking him to be an incomplete idol, but Lord Balabhadra killed him. While dying, Shankhachud prayed to the Lord that he also wanted to serve him. Then Balaram Ji made a rope from his nerves and spine, which is used to pull the Lord's chariot today. This rope has now become a symbol of salvation and service to God. Touching or pulling it feels like connecting with God.

Name of the chariot rope of Lord Balabhadra: Vasuki

The rope of Lord Balabhadra's chariot is called 'Vasuki'. This is the same Vasuki snake that adorns Lord Shiva's neck. There is a mythological belief that Vasuki used to ask Sheshnag for an opportunity to serve him. Sheshnag promised him that when he would come to earth in the form of Balram, Vasuki would get an opportunity to serve him. This is the reason why the rope of Balabhadra's chariot is called Vasuki.

Devotees believe that pulling this rope leads to brotherhood, dedication and service.

Name of the chariot rope of Goddess Subhadra: Swarnchud

The rope of Goddess Subhadra's chariot is called 'Swarnchud'. This rope is considered to be a symbol of the bondage of illusion and attachment. The bondage of karma, relationships and material desires in human life is represented through this rope. When devotees pull this rope, it signifies the union of the soul with the divine - a step towards liberation and spirituality.

Rope also becomes a solution to get rid of Kalsarp Dosh

According to astrology, when all the planets in the birth chart come between Rahu and Ketu, then Shankhchoorna Kaalsarp Dosh is formed, which brings troubles in life. It is believed that one can get rid of this dosha by touching or pulling the rope of the Rath Yatra with devotion.

Rath Yatra: A Celebration of Faith and Unity

On the first day of the Rath Yatra, the chariot of Lord Balabhadra was pulled for about 200 meters. There is no tradition of pulling the chariot after sunset, so the journey was resumed the next day i.e. on Saturday. Devotees try to get an opportunity to touch the rope of the chariot just once. For them, this is devotion, virtue and a direct connection with God.

PC:Punjab Kesari