Puri Dham’s Jagannath Rath Yatra is going to start in a grand manner from 27th June. Devotees from not only the country but from all over the world come to see and participate in this historic journey. When the chariots of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra go out for a city tour, the enthusiasm of the devotees is worth seeing. Pulling the ropes of the chariot during the Rath Yatra has special significance. It is believed that even touching the rope of the chariot is so pious that it liberates one from the bondage of life and death.

During the Rath Yatra, a crowd of lakhs gathers and everyone reaches there with the desire to touch the ropes with which the chariots of the Lord are pulled. Very few people know that these ropes also have names and the rope of every chariot is known by a different name. Also, it is important to know who can touch this rope and what spiritual benefit is gained by touching it.

What are the names of the ropes of the chariot in Rath Yatra?

Three different chariots are taken out in the Jagannath Rath Yatra. Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra. Just like these chariots have different names, the ropes that pull them also have different names: The rope of Lord Jagannath’s 16-wheeled Nandighosha chariot is called “Shankhachuda Nadi”. The rope of Balabhadra’s 14-wheeled Taladhwaj chariot is called “Vasuki”. The rope of Subhadra’s 12-wheeled Padmadhwaj chariot is called “Swarnchuda Nadi”. These ropes are not only a means of pulling the chariot, but are also a symbol of faith, devotion and salvation.

Can anyone pull the rope of a chariot?

Yes, anyone can pull the rope of the Jagannath Rath Yatra – irrespective of their religion, caste, class or country. Anyone who touches the rope of the chariot with devotion and faith after reaching Puri, receives the special blessings of Lord Jagannath. There is a religious belief that the devotee who pulls the rope of Lord Jagannath’s chariot gets freedom from the cycle of life and death and moves towards salvation.

What happens by touching the rope of the chariot?

Devotees wait for hours to touch the rope of the chariot during the Rath Yatra as it is believed that touching the rope washes away all sins.

Devotion and virtue increase.

Good fortune arises in life.

One receives special blessings of Lord Jagannath.

It is also believed that if a person participates in the Rath Yatra but is unable to touch the rope, his journey is considered incomplete.

Why is the chariot rope considered virtuous?

The rope of the Jagannath chariot is considered not just a medium but a bridge to connect with God. Touching it means touching Lord Jagannath himself. According to the belief, this virtuous act can also eliminate the sins of the next births and lead life to salvation.