Puri: In a profound display of devotion and humility, the sacred city of Puri today witnessed the majestic ‘Rath Jatra’, the annual chariot festival of Lord Jagannath and his divine siblings.
The air was thick with the fervent chants of “Jai Jagannath!” as lakhs of devotees converged to witness the age-old rituals, especially the deeply symbolic ‘Chhera Pahanra’ performed by the Gajapati Maharaja of Puri, Dibyasingha Deb.
Clad in pristine white attire, carried reverently in a silver-plated palanquin, the titular king arrived at the colossal chariots. With immense grace and spiritual fervor, he ascended the magnificent ‘Taladhwaj’ of Lord Balabhadra, followed by Lord Jagannath’s ‘Nadighosh’, and finally Devi Subhadra’s ‘Darpadalan’.
In a timeless tradition that resonates with profound spiritual significance, the Maharaja swept the chariot floors with a broom crafted with a golden handle, while priests melodiously chanted Sanskrit slokas and sprinkled fragrant water and flowers. He then offered ‘Aarti’ and performed ‘Chamer’ seva, embodying the spirit of a humble servitor before the Lord of the Universe.
“It is a divine blessing for me and my family for being given an opportunity to serve Lord Jagannath and sweep his chariot on Rath Jatra,” Puri Raja shared with the media on June 26, reflecting the deep personal connection and privilege associated with this sacred duty.
The ‘Chhera Pahanra’ ritual, a vital part of the ‘Rajaniti’ (royal ritual), underscores the unique position of the Gajapati Maharaja as the first servitor of Lord Jagannath. This powerful act of a king sweeping the streets for his deity serves as a universal message: before the Almighty, all are equal, be they king or commoner.
As Bhaskar Mishra, a renowned researcher in the Jagannath cult, eloquently stated, “The ritual of a Maharaja sweeping the chariots gives a message that all are equal before the Lord.” Pandit Suryanarayan Rathsharma echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that ‘Chhera Pahanra’ conveys a unique societal message of equality in the eyes of the divine.
Historically, this tradition traces its roots back to the 12th century, when the emperors of Orissa, starting with Anantvarman Chodagangadeva, declared themselves “Rauta” (servants) of Lord Jagannath, governing the land as His divine representatives.
The ‘Chhera Pahanra’ ritual is not only observed during Rath Jatra but also on ‘Snana Purnima’ (Lord’s bathing ritual, which was observed on June 11, 2025) and ‘Bahuda Jatra’ (the return car festival, scheduled for July 4, 2025), reaffirming its enduring importance in the grand tapestry of Jagannath culture.
This profound act of humility by the titular king continues to inspire millions, reinforcing the timeless message of devotion and universal equality.