A significant religious and patriotic journey, the 'Swarna Dhanush' or golden bow yatra, commenced from Rourkela in Odisha on Friday, embarking on a long pilgrimage destined for Ayodhya. Organized by the Sanatan Jagarana Manch, a unit of the Smile Forever Foundation, the yatra aims to culminate at the newly consecrated Shri Ram Temple.
The Grand Commencement and Journey Path
The yatra was flagged off with ceremony from Hanuman Vatika in Rourkela. By Saturday, it had reached Sundargarh. The journey is planned to traverse through several districts of Odisha. Its final departure from the state is scheduled from the holy town of Puri's Jagannath Dham on January 19. The grand culmination is set for January 22 in Ayodhya, aligning with the ongoing spiritual fervor in the country.
Specifications and Sacred Craftsmanship
The centerpiece of the yatra is a magnificently crafted bow of substantial size and weight. It measures 8 feet in length and 3 feet in width, with a total weight of 286 kilograms. The composition of the bow is a blend of metals:
- 240 kg of copper
- 2.5 kg of silver
- 20 kg of mica
- 22 kg of iron
- 1 kg of gold used as a 10-micron plating
Adding to its spiritual significance, the bow features an idol of Lord Jagannath adorned with a filigree crown. Notably, the bow is inscribed with tributes to India's military achievements, including the Kargil War and Operation Sindoor.
Artisans and Consecration Plans
The creation of this symbolic 'Swarna Dhanush' is a testament to skilled craftsmanship. It was meticulously made by 40 women artisans from Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu. The launch event saw the presence of senior leaders, including BJP national general secretary Dushyant Kumar Gautam, Baba Kalidasji Maharaj, former Union minister Dilip Ray, and Raghunathpali MLA Durga Tanty.
Santosh Biswal, the convenor of Sanatan Jagarana Manch, outlined the final ritual. He stated that the idol of Lord Jagannath and the crown accompanying the bow will be consecrated at the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya upon the yatra's arrival, marking a unifying spiritual event.
This yatra represents a confluence of devotion, national pride, and artistic heritage, drawing a sacred connection from the lands of Lord Jagannath to the abode of Lord Ram.
