Devotee:
Pranam (Salutations), Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Pranam, Pranam.
Devotee:
This year, the Puri Rath Yatra has been canceled. Because of this, people are feeling anxious and fearful. They are worried if the stopping of Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra will lead to any major problems or calamities for humanity. We would like to hear your thoughts on this.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Well, you see, the Rath Yatra has been stopped many times in history. There is no need to be so afraid. Everything happens according to the situation. As for the current cancellation, it is due to COVID-19; the Supreme Court has issued an order, and there is nothing we can do about that.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
However, looking at history, the Puri Rath Yatra has been interrupted numerous times. The tradition began in the 12th century. Between 1568 and 1735, the Rath Yatra was stopped at least 32 times. So, this isn't the first time.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Between 1568 and 1577, during the time of Kalapahad—who was the general of Suleiman Karrani—the temple was attacked multiple times, causing the festival to be halted. People think it's a new occurrence, but it has happened 32 times before for various reasons.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
What is notable, however, is that for the last 284 years, the Yatra had continued without fail. This is the first time in nearly three centuries that the Supreme Court has ruled that the wheels of the chariot shall not move. This is specifically due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
There are many mysteries surrounding the Jagannath Temple that most people don't know. Just because the Rath Yatra is stopped doesn't mean the world will end or something terrible will happen to everyone. We just don't know the history.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I'll tell you an old story from the temple. Years ago, there was a great scholar at the Puri temple. Back then, there were three main gates—East, West, and South—and they were locked at night for fear of thieves. One night, while the priest was locking up, he saw an incredibly tall man entering through the gate. The priest was terrified; the man was massive, wore very little clothing, and had a shawl over his shoulder.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
The priest hid behind a pillar and watched. As the tall man approached the main temple of Jagannath, the doors opened automatically. He went inside, and the doors closed. After a while, he came back out, the doors opened for him again, and he vanished.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
This happened again a couple of nights later. The priest finally gathered the courage to stop him and asked, "Who are you? I see you coming here often." The man replied, "You have ruined my visit. I come from Sri Lanka; I am Vibhishan. Lord Ramachandra himself resides here, so I come every day for his Darshan (divine viewing). Now that you've seen me, I don't know if I can return."
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Even today, it is believed that the Seven Immortals (Saptarishi), including Vibhishan and Ashwatthama, come to the temple in their subtle bodies. All the gods and goddesses of the world, and even celestial dancers like Urvashi and Rambha, are said to reside there in subtle form. In the past, the Devadasis (temple dancers) would dance for the Lord before he went to sleep, but that tradition has ended. However, it is believed the celestial Apsaras still come to dance for him in the spirit world.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
The temple is also home to various spirits, demons, and deities who guard the Lord. If anyone disrespects or mocks Jagannath, these guardians are said to take revenge.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
There are many supernatural occurrences there. Look at the temple kitchen—it's a scientific miracle. They stack seven or ten pots on top of each other over a fire, and the pot at the very top always cooks first. No scientist can explain that. The temple flag always flies against the direction of the wind, and no planes or birds fly over the temple dome.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
However, there have been some worrying signs recently. The temple flag has fallen eight times. Lightning struck the Sudarshana Chakra at the top of the temple, and it was reported that the metal turned blue from the strike. These are seen as omens.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Jagannath is considered the greatest "Tantrik." Without his command, no true Tantra can be performed. He is the king of kings, and he gives Darshan to all his subjects. But sometimes, the priests and handlers (Pandas) at the temple create barriers, being more interested in money, which frustrates many devotees.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
The spiritual significance of the Rath Yatra is immense. It is written in the Jagannath Bhagavata that anyone who sees Lord Jagannath, Subhadra, and Balarama seated on the chariot is liberated from the cycle of rebirth. In this age of science, people might not believe it, but this spiritual truth exists on a plane far above modern science.
Devotee:
Gurudev, I made a small mistake earlier. I said the Bengali year was 1424; it is actually 1427.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, it could be. Regardless, the point remains that this is the first time in 284 years that the public Rath Yatra has been halted. While we shouldn't be overly anxious, we should be mindful of the signs the Lord is giving us through these events. Jagannath holds the world together, and he has the power to change everything. I pray to him as I have many times before.
Devotee:
Gurudev, we offer our humble respects at your feet. Thank you.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Bless you.