A look at the legends of Baripada, as it gears up for Rath Yatra 2024

From spearheading the Rath Yatra festival to preserving the traditions of Lord Jagannath in Baripada, the Royal Family of Mayurbhanj has been witness to centuries of devotion and cultural vibrancy. On Rath Yatra this year, we look at Baripada’s history, customs and everything that makes it the Dwitiya Sreekshetra.
The history
According to folklore, when Maharaja Baidyanath Bhanj of Mayurbhanj travelled to Puri in full royal regalia, the Gajapati of Puri denied him entry.It was a ritual for devotees to come humbly, without any display of grandeur. In response, the Maharaja went into penance near Atharanala, where Jagannath appeared to him in a dream and instructed him to build a temple in Baripada. In order to respect the divine wish, the Maharaja constructed the majestic Jagannath Temple at Baripada in 1575 AD.
‘Baripada Rath Yatra mirrors rituals of the Shree Mandir, Puri’
Baripada is known to mirror all rituals observed at the Shree Mandir in Puri during Rath Yatra. However, it is held there a day after the Puri festivities. It is believed that Lord Jagannath spends a day with his devotees in Puri before coming to Baripada to greet them. Unlike Puri, the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra in Baripada have two doors and are drawn by two horses each.

Why Gur laddoo is offered at Baripada
Legend has it that the Gur laddoo was created after Jagannath answered a sweet maker’s prayers who couldn’t offer it to the deities inside the temple. That year, during Rath Yatra, the chariot unexpectedly stopped at his home, leading the King to dream that the Lord desired to be served the laddoo. Every year since then, after being offered to the Lord, its distributed among devotees and known as Shraddha laddoo.

Unique customs
Baripada follows many unique customs such as the one where women are seen pulling Devi Subhadra’s chariot. Another distinctive ritual is the annual procession of indigenous tribes. With Odissi, Mayurbhanj Chhau, and kirtan performances, and royal recipes prepared at Belgadia Palace, the royal family show their support towards local livelihoods, ensuring the festival’s success and sustainability, simultaneously fostering cultural tourism and local economy.
- Arijeet Palit