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Chasing Divine Chariots: Exploring Bhubaneswar, Puri, and Konark during Ratha Yatra
- Sai Venkatesh Vemuri
- Apr 14, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: Nov 12, 2024
During Ratha Yatra, the state of Odisha becomes a vibrant tapestry of colors, sounds, and spiritual fervor. Throughout the state, communities come together to celebrate Ratha Yatra in their own unique ways.
Table of Contents
Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, India, is celebrated for its abundant cultural legacy and historic temples. Situated in the heart of the ancient Kalinga kingdom, it has earned the title "Temple City of India" owing to its plethora of revered temples.
Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves
Located 7 km from Bhubaneswar, these caves are carved into the two hilltops known as Udayagiri and Khandagiri, from which they derive their names. Dating back to the 1st century BC, the site comprises 18 rock-cut caves in Udayagiri and 15 in Khandagiri. While most of the caves served as small dormitories, some were grand shrines.
These caves were meticulously hand-carved using rudimentary tools. Some of the caves look like the ones straight out of my favourite cartoon - "The Flintstones". The site is adorned with numerous inscriptions and sculptures, reflecting its rich historical and cultural significance. Historically, these caves served as resting places for travellers and as meditation retreats for Jain monks.
Standing out among the caves is the grand Rani Gumpha, boasting a two-story layout and adorned with stunning carvings. Additional highlights include the Hathi Gumpha, Ganesh Gumpha, and Byaghra Cave. Below is the complete list of caves in Udayagiri:
Rani Gumpha
Bajaghara Gumpha
Chota Hathi Gumpha
Alakapuri Gumpha
Jaya Vijaya Gumpha
Panasa Gumpha
Thakurani Gumpha
Patalapuri Gumpha
Mancapuri Gumpha
Ganesh Gumpha
Jambesvara Gumpha
Vyaghra Gumpha
Sarpa Gumpha
Hathi Gumpha
Dhanaghara Gumpha
Haridasa Gumpha
Jagannatha Gumpha
Rasui Gumpha
The caves at Khandagiri are not maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and are in poor condition. Here is the list of caves in this area:
Tatowa Gumpha
Ananta Gumpha
Tentuli Gumpha
Khandagiri Gumpha
Dhyana Gumpha
Navamuni Gumpha
Barabhuji Gumpha
Trusula Gumpha
Ambika Gumpha
Lalatendu Keshari Gumpha
Lingaraj Temple
The Lingaraj Temple, constructed in the 11th century AD, is devoted to Lord Shiva. Its creation is attributed to the kings of the Somavamsi dynasty, showcasing the unique Kalinga architectural style. Within the temple complex, the main sanctum houses Lord Shiva, accompanied by over a hundred smaller shrines dedicated to various deities spread across the temple complex.
Photography is prohibited within the temple premises. However, here's a view of one of the smaller temple towers situated outside the compound, resembling the ones found inside.
Dhauli Giri Hills
The Dhauli Shanti Stupa, also recognized as the Peace Pagoda, was constructed in 1972, symbolizing a message of peace. Legend has it that the Kalinga War, one of the deadliest battles in history, occurred here between the Mauryas led by King Ashoka and the kingdom of Kalinga. Following this brutal conflict, Ashoka embraced Buddhism and advocated for peace. Perched atop a hill, this site offers panoramic views of the outskirts of Bhubaneswar.
Tribal Museum
The Odisha State Tribal Museum is a vibrant celebration of the life and culture of tribal communities in the state. Surrounded by greenery, the museum provides a tranquil setting with all amenities for an enriching experience. A visit to this place is highly recommended, especially for those interested in anthropology.
It boasts numerous galleries exhibiting various tribal crafts, from tools and jewellery to clothing, weapons, musical instruments, and tribal deities. You'll also find artists and craftsmen showcasing their skills and creating unique pieces, which you can purchase if something catches your eye.
State Museum
The Odisha State Museum, located in Bhubaneswar, is a treasure trove of historical artifacts and cultural heritage. The museum contains numerous galleries dedicated to geology, archaeology, and more, and offers visitors a diverse and immersive exploration of Odisha and nation's rich heritage.
It houses a diverse collection of sculptures, manuscripts, coins, armor, paintings, and archaeological findings, providing insights into the rich history and heritage of region.
The museum hosted a special exhibition dedicated to the Jagannath Rath Yatra celebrations, showcasing a variety of paintings and artwork centered around the event.
The Mythical Origins of Lord Jagannath
The idols are made of wood with distinguished features. According to the tale, King Indradyumna was visited by a divine vision of Lord Jagannath, leading him to a drifting log. The divine craftsman, Vishwakarma appeared to carve the deity of the Lord under a condition that no one is to disturb him for three weeks. Yet, succumbing to impatience and curiosity, the doors were prematurely opened. The craftsman disappeared, leaving unfinished idols of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra.
One of the significant rituals related to Lord Jagannath in Puri is Nabakalebara, meaning "New Body," which occurs once every 14-19 years according to the Hindu calendar. During this sacred process, a group of spiritual practitioners embark on a quest to find suitable trees to carve new idols. Once the new idols are crafted, a secretive and sacred transfer of the "Brahmapadartha," or divine essence, from the old idols to the new ones takes place, with participants blindfolded to maintain total secrecy. Following this, the old idols are ceremonially buried, and a mourning period is observed. Finally, the new deities are revealed to the world in the Netrotsava ritual, marking the culmination of the Nabakalebara ceremony.
Ratha Yatra at Puri
Once a year, in the month of Asadha (June or July), the idols are brought out of the sanctum in huge ratha or chariots. During the Ratha Yatra, the three deities are taken from the Jagannath Temple in the chariots to the Gundicha Temple and Mausi Maa Temple, who is the aunt of all three. They stay there for nine days before returning back to the main temple.
The magnificent chariots, constructed over a meticulous period of 42 days, are not merely vehicles but embodiments of divine splendor. Adorned with vibrant fabrics, fluttering flags, and an array of intricate decorative elements, they stand as towering symbols of devotion and craftsmanship.
The Jagannath chariot, Nandighosha is decorated in a vibrant Red-Yellow scheme and is the largest of all. Following it is Balabhadra's chariot, Taladhwaja with a striking Red-Green theme, and Subhadra's, the smallest chariot, Darpadalana adorned in a beautiful Red-Black scheme. Each of the chariots sport four magnificent wooden horses.
The English word "juggernaut" originates from Lord Jagannath, revered as an unstoppable force. He emerges to meet his devotees and undergoes the cycle of life and death akin to humans, endearing him to millions worldwide as part of their spiritual family.
Konark Sun Temple
Constructed during the 13th century AD by King Narsimhadeva of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty, the Sun Temple in Konark is a tribute to Surya, the Sun God. Located approximately 35 kilometers from Puri, the temple stands close to the shores, earning it the moniker "Black Pagoda" among sailors, in contrast to the "White Pagoda" in Puri.
The temple complex originally consisted of a main sanctuary (vimana), a large audience hall (jagamohana), and a dance hall (natamandira). Rediscovered in the early 1800s, the temple lay in ruins. Its main vimana, towering over 70 meters tall, collapsed in 1848, leading to conservation measures that involved filling the temple with sand and sealing it to avert further deterioration.
According to Hindu mythology, the Sun God, Surya, traverses the sky from east to west in a chariot drawn by seven horses. Inspired by this majestic imagery, the Konark Sun Temple itself takes the form of a grand chariot drawn by horses, symbolizing the divine journey of the sun across the sky. There are twelve pairs of wheels drawn by seven horses, representing the days of the week and the months of the year.
One of the most iconic features of the temple is the Konark Wheel, which is carved on the temple walls and acts as a sundial to calculate time accurately. The intricately carved wheel has eight spokes, representing the eight praharas of the day.
The temple is adorned with exquisite stone carvings depicting various scenes from Hindu mythology, celestial beings, musicians, dancers, animals, and everyday life.
The Konark Sun Temple stands not just as a remarkable architectural achievement but also as a site rich in astronomical symbolism. It's thought that the temple's design was meticulously crafted to synchronize with the sun's journey across the sky, marking the passage of days, months, and seasons.
It's no surprise that this significance has been immortalized, as the Konark Sun Temple is depicted on the INR 10 currency note.
Konark Beach
The scenic route from Puri to Konark is along the coastline, aptly named the Puri-Konark Marine Drive. Along the way, you can make a stop at Konark Beach and soak in the beautiful coastal views.
Local Cuisine
Make sure to indulge in an authentic Odiya thali, featuring a variety of classic dishes. I recommend trying the thali at Odisha Hotel, a chain of restaurants in the city of Bhubaneswar. And if you have a sweet tooth, don't forget to treat yourself to the delectable Chenna sweets, with Chenna Podo being a must-try!
And that wraps up this journey! Be sure to explore more stories on this blog. I'd love to hear from you, so feel free to connect through the contact section.
Essential Information
Who should visit?
Nature Lover
Culinary Enthusiast
Spiritual Seeker
Architecture Buff
When to visit?
June-July during Ratha Yatra
Where to Stay?
Hotel Ginger at Bhubaneswar
What to do?
Bhubaneswar
Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves
Lingaraj Temple
Dhauli Giri Hills
Tribal Museum
State Museum
Puri
Ratha Yatra
Konark
Konark Sun Temple
Konark Beach
How to travel?
Bhubaneswar is accessible by flight or train from major cities across India.
Puri and Konark are coastal cities, with Bhubaneswar located equidistant to both, forming a triangle.
Puri is approximately 65 kilometers from Bhubaneswar.
Konark is also approximately 65 kilometers from Bhubaneswar.
Konark is around 35 kilometers from Puri.
You have the option to either hire a cab or use public transport, such as OSRTC buses, to reach Puri and Konark from Bhubaneswar
Recommended Trip Duration
3 Days / 2 Nights
Estimated Trip Budget
~INR 12,000 per Person*
* Excluding transportation costs via flight or train, and if you'll be traveling around via public transport or in a group of four using a car.
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