Jagannath Puri is one of the four Dham pilgrimage sites located in Odisha and is known for the annual Rath Yatra festival of wooden idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra. The temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Jagannath Puri is an important place for devotees.
Every year lakhs of devotees come for the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, the world's largest Rath Yatra festival. This Rath Yatra starts every year on the second day of Shukla Paksha of Ashadh month. Which is on 07 July this year. Preparations for the Jagannath Rath Yatra start two months in advance. Cleaning the road with a gold broom before the Jagannath Rath Yatra is an ancient tradition behind which there are many religious and symbolic significances. Now why is the road cleaned with a gold broom before the Jagannath Rath Yatra? There is a very interesting story behind this. Let us know in detail from astrologer Pandit Arvind Tripathi in this article.
Why does Jagannath clean the gold with a broom before the Rath Yatra?
Cleaning the road with a gold broom before the Jagannath Rath Yatra is an important tradition associated with religious faith and symbolism. It is a way of expressing respect and devotion to Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, sanctifying the route of the Rath Yatra and praying for prosperity and blessings in the area.
Importance of Gold Broom
Gold is considered a holy metal and is used to purify the route of the Rath Yatra. The use of a gold broom is a way of showing respect and devotion to Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra. Gold is often associated with deities and divinity and gold brooms are used to make the route of the Rath Yatra divine. Gold is a symbol of prosperity and good fortune, and cleaning the path of the chariot with a gold broom is seen as a prayer to bring prosperity and blessings to the area. Gold brooms are used for the Rath Yatra to remove negative energy and evil and create a positive and pure environment. Devotees show their devotion and respect by participating in the cleaning of the Rath Yatra route. Not only this, a person who participates in this Rath Yatra attains salvation after death.
The myth of cleaning with a gold broom
According to a legend, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra used to knock on the doors of their devotees' houses when they went on Rath Yatra. If a devotee is not at home, the Lord touches the door with a golden broom to indicate that they have visited their home. Which signifies blessings and love.