One lakh devotees are likely to witness car festival at Baripada

Baripada, Jul 11 (UNI) Baripada is gearing up to celebrate the 432-year-old Rath yatra on Monday when at least one lakh pilgrims are likely to throng the Bada Danda (Grand Road) leading to the Jagannath temple.

The 84 feet six inches high majestic temple with exquisite designs engraved on its walls was built by Maharaja Baidyanath Bhanj Deo, who ruled the princely state from 1556-1600 AD.

It is said that Maharaja Baidyanath Bhanj Deo had been to Puri for having a 'Darshan' of Lord Jagannath.

He was denied a darsan as he could not offer the required number of gold coins.

There is yet another version of the legend. When the Maharaja went to Puri in royal splendour accompanied by Chhatro and Chamoro, the Gajapati of Puri refused his entry with them as it reflected higher status over him.

It was a prevailing custom that pilgrims to Puri were to go there as ordinary men without any sign of supremacy over the Gajapati, who was considered as the Chalanti Bishnu in those days.

The Maharaja went in penance near the Atharanala in the outskirts of Puri. In a dream, he was ordered by Lord Jagannath to construct a temple at Baripada so that he would come down to assuage his devotee.

The Maharaja then constructed the temple in 1575 AD with laterite stone which is a magnificent offering to Lord Jagannath.

All the rituals, as at Puri are observed for Lord Jagannath, His brother Lord Balabhadra and their sister, Goddess Subhadra at this temple.

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