Why is it mandatory to change the flag every day in the Jagannath temple, one day’s mistake can bring a terrible disaster

Jagannath Temple: The religious hub of both Odisha and India as a whole is the Sri Jagannath Temple in Puri. Every year, a great Rath Yatra is held here, and this year it will start on June 27 and end on July 5. Thousands of devotees believe that their visit to Lord Jagannath has benefited them. Devotees of Lord Jagannath are awed by several enigmatic customs. One of these customs is the daily changing of the temple’s main peak’s flag, which is said to bring terrible disaster if it is not followed, even for a single day.

Why does the flag change daily?

The flag flying atop the Sri Jagannath Temple is not just any flag; rather, it is a representation of the Lord’s blessings and active presence. Scripture states that the temple will automatically shut for eighteen years if the flag is not changed on any given day.

The blessing of Lord Jagannath is said to flow via this flag in all four directions and across the sky. The flow of this holy energy ceases if this flag ages, gets broken, or disappears, which may bring bad luck. As a result, raising a fresh flag each day before dusk is required.

The flag’s mysterious nature

The fact that the Jagannath temple’s flag constantly flutters in the opposite direction of the wind is one of its mysteries. The wind often blows from the sea toward the land in coastal locations, but in Puri, the contrary is true, and the flag flutters in the other way. Devotees see it as evidence of God’s miraculous power, even though science has yet to unravel this riddle.

Chola family: 800 years of service

Changing the flag is a very challenging and daring endeavor. Only members of the Puri Chola family do it. For the last 800 years, this family has been providing this service by scaling hundreds of feet without any safety gear. For them, this activity is not just a duty; it is also a commitment to and legacy for God.

What is the origin of this custom?

Legend has it that Lord Jagannath once showed up in the servants’ sleep and alerted them to the flag’s predicament. The flag was ripped when the servants saw it. The decision was made to raise a new flag every day going forward, seeing it as a divine warning. This started a custom that has continued unabated to this day.

The flag’s religious and spiritual significance

The Jagannath temple’s banner is a living representation of God, not merely a flag. Negative energy is said to be absorbed by the old flag. Divinity, purity, and good energy permeate the atmosphere as soon as the new flag is raised.

Just by looking at the flag, devotees acquire virtue. Since viewing this flag is seen to be just as beneficial as seeing Lord Jagannath, many devotees go to the temple grounds only to see it.

Making and presenting flags

A unique religious technique is used to prepare the new flag that is raised each day. Usually 20 feet long and triangular in shape, it is inscribed with unique symbols and colors. When their desires are granted, many followers present flags to the Lord. These flags are given to the servants, who raise them the next day on the temple peak.

Incredible tradition and faith

This wonderful custom of the Jagannath temple is a singular manifestation of the followers’ devotion, faith, and spirit of service. It shows us that any tradition may be carried on from one generation to the next with genuine commitment and discipline; this is also the Sanatan culture’s living identity.