Yatra - Kinds of Yatras
‘Yatra’ is a feminine Sanskrit word that ends with the sound of the letter ‘Aa’. For this word, the dictionaries have given meanings such as ‘going on tour’, ‘visiting Holy Places’, ‘spending time’, and ‘observing Jatara’. If we go through the legends and epics, we come across the victories, journeys made by emperors and kings, the journeys made for the protection of yaagaswa (horse-intended for the Performance of yaga), and the journeys made for the protection of cowherds and cows.
Similarly, we come across in epics like ‘Mahabharata’ and ‘Mahabhagavata’ one kind of sect going to the hill or the sea - shore or the wood for the fulfillment of their specific desire. Though ‘kasiyatra’ has become a ritual in marriages of upper castes, it is an educational tour.
In ancient times, poets, artists, scholars, and scientists used to go on tour with their disciples to establish their excellence in scholarship.
Nowadays there are different kinds of yatras. They are
- ‘Vihara yatra’,
- ‘Vinoda yatra’,
- ‘Vignana yatra’, ‘
- Sahasa-yatra’ (Adventurous journey),
- ‘Antariksha yatra’, (space - journey),
- ‘Santi yatra’,
- ‘Teertha yatra’ and
- ‘Kshetra yatra’.
In addition to these, the word ‘yatra’ is suffixed to some of the inauspicious journeys. At present we hear about Pada yatra and odarpu yatra.
‘Teertha yatra’ and ‘Kshetra yatra’
Of all yatras, ‘Teertha yatra’ and ‘Kshetra yatra’ are the sacred ones. They have multi-purpose advantages. That is why the Indians in legends repeatedly thought about this kind of yatras, and taught us
to follow them, announced loudly their sanctity, and regarded them as a means for the fulfillment of mundane and spiritual desires.
Yatra for Manasa Sarovar is famous for Hindus but it comes under ‘Teertha Yatra’ and ‘Kshetra yatra’.
Naalaayiram
In India, there are three important sects of Hinduism. They are Shaiva, Vaishnava, and Shakteya. These sects have their respective traditions, customs, and holy places to visit. Of these sects, the Sri Vaishnava sect has become very popular amongst the people for several reasons. It gives importance to the visit of 108 Holy Places.
“Naalaayiram” is a Holy Text for Sri Vaishnavas. There are ‘Pasuras’ relating to 108 Holy Places in it. These Holy Places are called ‘Tirupatulu’ and are spoken well by Alwars.
Only Tirupati- Tirumala and Ahobilam are in Andhra Pradesh.
TEMPLE CITY WELCOMES YOU
Tirumala
The holy abode of Lord Venkateswara of the Seven Hills is a venerable center of Hindu pilgrimage. The great Seshachalam range of the seven hills on which the sacred temple of Sri Venkateswara is located in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh.
