The Jagannath Rath Yatra is an incredible and enchanting event, whether it takes place in Puri or Ahmedabad. The Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad has been happening for the past 144 years, and this year marks its 145th edition. The entire city comes together to join Lord Jagannath, his sister Subhadra, and brother Balaram on their journey. The procession includes majestic elephants, devotional singers, wrestling arenas, and the whole event is filled with joy and excitement.
The Jagannath Yatra that kicks off in Ahmedabad is renowned, but its history is just as captivating. As the 144th edition of the Rangechange Yatra unfolds in Ahmedabad, it’s also intriguing to delve into its fascinating past.
In the 18th century, there was a temple called Hanuman Mandir, which is now famously known as Lord Jagannathji Temple. The temple was located on the serene forest shores of Sabarmati. Hanumandasji Maharaj, a devotee of Hanuman, resided there and was renowned for his extraordinary ability to save lives. It is said that he had a divine encounter with the real Hanumanji while strolling along the riverbed. He spotted the image of Hanumanji in a rock and skillfully carved an idol out of it. This idol became the present-day Jagannath temple, which was originally dedicated to Hanuman.
After becoming a Brahmin under the guidance of the Ramanandi sect’s mahant, Sarangdasji, had a remarkable experience while staying in Puri. He had a vision where Lord Jagannathji himself commanded the installation of idols of brother Baladev and sister Subhadraji in the temple. Sarangdasji Maharaj, with great enthusiasm, brought idols made of Neemkastha from Puri and conducted a grand pranapratistha ceremony. It was during this time that he announced to his disciples that the temple would now be known as Lord Jagannathji temple.
When the opportunity for Lord Jagannathji’s Nagar Yatra of Ashadi Bija came, Mahant Sarangadasji decided to organize a Rath Yatra under the leadership of Shishya Narasimhdasji. Narasimha Dasji went to Puri to learn all the secrets related to Rath Yatra organization and upon his return, Lord Jagannathji’s first Rath Yatra to Ahmedabad was organized on 1st July 1878 on the Ashadi Bija day of Pushyankshatra. Since Ahmedabad was a walled city at that time, the route of the Rath Yatra was decided to cover the entire city. The rest of the journey was planned to end at Mahantshree’s Gurubhai’s Ranchodrai temple in Saraspur. This day has now become a tradition.
When you visit the temple for darshan, you will come across a section called ‘Ratnavedi’. Here, you will see the Lord along with his brothers and sisters. On the right side, you will find Guru Dattatreya, and on the left side, Sri Ranchhodraiji. Sri Narasimha is the main deity in the sanctum sanctorum of Sri Tirupati Balaji. On the other side, you will see Sri Ram Darbar, Sri Lakshmiji, Radhakrishnaji, and Sriram Darbar. Right opposite to them is the Sri Hanumanji Temple. While Lord Jagannathji is believed to be an incarnation of Sri Vishnu, you will also find Sri Garudji enshrined. Garudji is positioned in such a way that his eyes fall directly at the feet of Lord Jagannathji. In the lower part of the temple, you will find Sindooriya Ganapati, Sri Adya Hanumanji, Sri Ratneswara Mahadev, and Vaidyanath Mahadev.
The Jagannathji Temple in Ahmedabad has a rich tradition of Gauseva, Bhandaro, and Dindukhiya food, which is still being practiced today. This prasad is a result of the philanthropic efforts of the Mahantshris in the temple. The temple also celebrates all religious and traditional festivals, which is a part of their tradition. Lord Jagannathji himself settled in Ahmedabad and expressed his desire to wander around the city in his dream. Folk songs like Jagannath Ka Bhaat Jagat Pasarte Haath are composed about this temple. Despite the historical shadows, the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath ji, Baldevji, and Subhadraji still excites the entire city with indomitable enthusiasm and devotion. The roads of the city become routes for seeing the Rath Yatra, and Jai Jagannath’s Jai Ghosh is spreading all around.
