5. The Purpose of Ratha Yatra

5. The Purpose of Ratha Yatra:

When one attends a Janmastami celebration or any other festival, he does so with a purpose in mind. He thinks about how much joy, fulfillment, devotional energy and encouragement he will attain by being there. A friend may ask, "Would you like to go to Puri and see Ratha-yatra?" A positive response will unleash a river of thoughts-"Oh, I will get a chance to directly see the Lord of happiness, the smiling Lord Jagannatha; and throngs of devotees, big kirtanas, colorful chariots, pageantry, an exciting parade, the holy dhama, the sea, and that all-conquering Jagannatha maha-prasadam." But the thought of going to Puri for the purpose of serving Lord Jagannatha and increasing His pleasure during His chariot ride probably would not arise. However, spiritual festivals like Gaura-Purnima, Janmastami and Rådhastami are observed for the purpose of increasing Krsna's happiness and providing plentiful service opportunities for all devotees. Srila Prabhupada teaches that we should attend spiritual festivals to increase Krsna's joy by serving the Lord and His devotees, worshiping Him, and enthusiastically singing and dancing for His pleasure. When asked the question, "What is the purpose of the Ratha-yatra," Srila Prabhupada replied, "The purpose is to see how Krsna is enjoying." (SP 7108035B.LON):

When one attends a Janmastami celebration or any other festival, he does so with a purpose in mind. He thinks about how much joy, fulfillment, devotional energy and encouragement he will attain by being there. A friend may ask, "Would you like to go to Puri and see Ratha-yatra?" A positive response will unleash a river of thoughts-"Oh, I will get a chance to directly see the Lord of happiness, the smiling Lord Jagannatha; and throngs of devotees, big kirtanas, colorful chariots, pageantry, an exciting parade, the holy dhama, the sea, and that all-conquering Jagannatha maha-prasadam." But the thought of going to Puri for the purpose of serving Lord Jagannatha and increasing His pleasure during His chariot ride probably would not arise. However, spiritual festivals like Gaura-Purnima, Janmastami and Rådhastami are observed for the purpose of increasing Krsna's happiness and providing plentiful service opportunities for all devotees. Srila Prabhupada teaches that we should attend spiritual festivals to increase Krsna's joy by serving the Lord and His devotees, worshiping Him, and enthusiastically singing and dancing for His pleasure. When asked the question, "What is the purpose of the Ratha-yatra," Srila Prabhupada replied, "The purpose is to see how Krsna is enjoying." (SP 7108035B.LON)

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