The Glory of Ratha-yatra: A Journey of the Soul
Let’s understand the glory of Ratha-yatra by contemplating four aspects, centered on the acronym RATH:
– R – Reach
– A – Attractiveness
– T – Transcendence
– H – Happiness
R – Reach of the Festival
There are many festivals across the religious landscape of the world—and even across the landscape of Sanatana Dharma. But very few festivals attract such an enormous number of people, with almost an entire metropolitan city descending onto the town of Jagannath Puri for one day.
Over the last half-century, by the vision and vigor of Srila Prabhupada and his followers, the reach of this festival has expanded far beyond India—to all corners of the world. From Boston to Belgrade, from Brisbane to Dublin, from Dubai to Durban, Ratha-yatra has inspired and infused spiritual devotion in the hearts of millions.
A – Attractiveness of the Lord
The Lord’s attractiveness arises not just from His six divine opulences—strength, wealth, knowledge, fame, beauty, and renunciation—but from a seventh, supremely lovable opulence: His untiring, unwavering love.
It is this inexhaustible and infallible love that shines through Ratha-yatra, where the Lord comes out onto the streets—not just to bless His devotees, but to offer mercy to everyone, including those who may never come to the temple.
We need Him, yet often don’t want Him.
He doesn’t need us, yet always wants us.
Although He is full in Himself, His longing to share that fullness brings Him into public view. His attractiveness is further revealed through:
– The majesty of the chariots
– The beauty of the ambience created by dancing and singing devotees
– The graceful gliding of the Lord’s chariot
– And the merciful glance He casts on one and all
T – Transcendence Made Accessible
The Lord, though transcendental, makes Himself eminently accessible during Ratha-yatra.
When we pull His chariot, we are not just participating in a cultural ritual or celebrating a symbolic gesture of inviting God into our hearts. We are re-enacting a sacred, esoteric pastime—where the gopis of Vrindavan pulled Krishna from Kurukshetra back to Vrindavan, with the love of their hearts and the labor of their hands.
Their sublimely selfless and stainless love becomes perceivable—if only in flickers—even for us, when we sing and dance in the Ratha-yatra festival. Even if we are unaware of the exalted reciprocations unfolding spiritually, we are still part of it.
Participation in such a transcendental event helps awaken the soul and brings everlasting auspiciousness.
H – Happiness That Heals and Elevates
Ratha-yatra floods the streets—streets that are usually filled with people chasing draconian desires and paltry pleasures.
Instead, this festival offers anyone with an open mind and heart a glimpse and a taste of otherworldly happiness.
It beckons us to a better life—
A richer life.
A sweeter life.
A life of the soul,
in eternal, ecstatic love for the Lord of the Universe,
who offers us this sacred opening…
so we may one day make Him the Lord of our heart.