Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra is one of India's most popular and grandest religious celebrations. Every year (in June or July), many devotees travel to Puri (a spiritual town in Odisha) to participate in this festival. It is dedicated to Jagannath (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu), Lord Balabhadra, and goddess Subhadra. This centuries-old tradition is observed due to numerous religious, mythological, and cultural reasons. So, let’s know more about Jagannath Rath Yatra and discuss the reasons that make it a unique and multifaceted event.
The Spiritual Essence of Rath Yatra
You must always keep in mind that Lord Jagannath is a respected god in Odisha and elsewhere in the world. Along with Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, he makes a powerful trio of divinity. Rath Yatra (chariot festival) is an annual ceremonial procession. Here, people take these three gods from their homes in the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple. It is a 3 KM distance. It denotes their visit to their aunt’s house, which has immense spiritual and mythological importance.
In this procession, a large number of people participate. They immerse themselves in spirituality and devotion. Devotees believe that Lord Jagannath comes out of the temple and gives blessings to all. This festival promotes equality and universal brotherhood. So, individuals from all castes and religions participate in this.
In this procession, a large number of people participate. They immerse themselves in spirituality and devotion. Devotees believe that Lord Jagannath comes out of the temple and gives blessings to all. This festival promotes equality and universal brotherhood. So, individuals from all castes and religions participate in this.
The Legend of Lord Jagannath
Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra has its roots in the old Indian mythology. As per the Skanda Purana (one of the most ancient Hindu scriptures), the temple god of Jagannath Puri is a wooden statue. It embodies the soul of Lord Krishna.
As per the legend, Krishna’s body did not decompose after his death. In place of this, it remains floating off the shores of Puri. Here, King Indradyumna had a dream instructing him to make a temple and arrange Krishna's remains in a wooden form. God Vishwakarma, the divine architect and craftsman of the gods, the universe, divine palaces, and weapons, made the deities of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra using pious neem wood.
Even today, these wooden statues are replaced in specially organized ceremonies (Nabakalebara) every 12 to 19 years. The unique appearance of the gods, especially Lord Jagannath's round eyes and stub-like arms, displays their power and mystery. It attracts a large number of devotees willing to participate in this religious act.
Mythologically, the Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra has been organized for thousands of years, right from the Dvapara Yuga. Feel free to get Krishna Venugopala South Indian Wood Carvings from Cottage9 and add a new religious charm to the Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra.
As per the legend, Krishna’s body did not decompose after his death. In place of this, it remains floating off the shores of Puri. Here, King Indradyumna had a dream instructing him to make a temple and arrange Krishna's remains in a wooden form. God Vishwakarma, the divine architect and craftsman of the gods, the universe, divine palaces, and weapons, made the deities of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra using pious neem wood.
Even today, these wooden statues are replaced in specially organized ceremonies (Nabakalebara) every 12 to 19 years. The unique appearance of the gods, especially Lord Jagannath's round eyes and stub-like arms, displays their power and mystery. It attracts a large number of devotees willing to participate in this religious act.
Mythologically, the Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra has been organized for thousands of years, right from the Dvapara Yuga. Feel free to get Krishna Venugopala South Indian Wood Carvings from Cottage9 and add a new religious charm to the Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra.
The Rituals of Jagannath Rath Yatra
The Jai Jagannath Rath Yatra is a display of faith, devotion, and religious glory. It occurs in the following sequence-
Snana Purnima (Bathing Festival)
Before the beginning of the Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra, priests bathe the deities in 108 pots of pious water on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Jyeshtha. It is a religious act called Snana Yatra, which marks the commencement of the festival.
Anasara (Rest Period)
After the bath, it is believed that the deities fall ill. And, they are kept away from public view for a fortnight. It is called Anasara. During this time, people worship paintings of the deities. You can get the required paintings easily from Cottage9.
Snana Purnima (Bathing Festival)
Before the beginning of the Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra, priests bathe the deities in 108 pots of pious water on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Jyeshtha. It is a religious act called Snana Yatra, which marks the commencement of the festival.
Anasara (Rest Period)
After the bath, it is believed that the deities fall ill. And, they are kept away from public view for a fortnight. It is called Anasara. During this time, people worship paintings of the deities. You can get the required paintings easily from Cottage9.
Rath Yatra
All devotees curiously wait for this time. On Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya (the second day of the bright fortnight in June-July), Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are kept in beautifully decorated wooden chariots (Rath), and the large-scale procession is taken out.
All devotees curiously wait for this time. On Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya (the second day of the bright fortnight in June-July), Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are kept in beautifully decorated wooden chariots (Rath), and the large-scale procession is taken out.
Each Rath is big and is created uniquely every year using specific wood.
Nandighosa- The Lord Jagannath’s chariot
Taladhwaja- The Lord Balabhadra’s chariot.
Darpadalana- Subhadra's chariot.
Devotees pull the raths with thick ropes and march through the streets. This action is considered extremely pious. It is believed that it washes away people’s sins and brings blessings to them.
Devotees pull the raths with thick ropes and march through the streets. This action is considered extremely pious. It is believed that it washes away people’s sins and brings blessings to them.
Gundicha Temple Stay
Devotees stay in the Gundicha Temple for 7 days. During this time, they participate in many religious acts and seek the blessings of god.
Devotees stay in the Gundicha Temple for 7 days. During this time, they participate in many religious acts and seek the blessings of god.
Bahuda Yatra (Return Journey)
It is known as the Bahuda Yatra- a return journey. After a week, devotees return to Jagannath Temple. At the end, the deities are decorated with gold ornaments. It creates an unforgettable sight for all devotees.
Priests perform Adhara Pana (a special sweet drink offered to the deities). They distribute prasad among devotees and exchange blessings.
It is known as the Bahuda Yatra- a return journey. After a week, devotees return to Jagannath Temple. At the end, the deities are decorated with gold ornaments. It creates an unforgettable sight for all devotees.
Priests perform Adhara Pana (a special sweet drink offered to the deities). They distribute prasad among devotees and exchange blessings.
Why Do We Celebrate Rath Yatra Today?
Always remember, Jai Jagannath Rath Yatra teaches us humanity, devotion, and service to humans. As per religious faith, Lord Jagannath comes down from this throne during the procession and walks on the streets among devotees. He reminds people of the significance of compassion and equality. For many devotees, pulling the chariot is a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual experience. It lets them develop a deep spiritual connection with God and other devotees.
Jai Jagannath Rath Yatra- A Global Celebration Now
The main Jai Jagannath Rath Yatra is organized in Puri (Odisha). But now this religious festival has gone global. It is observed in different countries across the globe. People from different religions participate in the Rath Yatra to display the message of equality, love, and unity. In such processions, the chariots remain the same. But, Vedic customs, kirtans (spiritual music), and clothes often have local fusion.
Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025
Rath Yatra is also called Navadina Yatra, Gundicha Yatra, Dasavatara and Gundicha Yatra. In 2025, it will take place on 27 June. As per your convenience, you can travel to Puri to see this religious festival and immerse yourself in deep spirituality. Or, participate in a local Rath Yatra with all your loved ones.
Jagannath Rath Yatra Tips
- Start your day with prayers & fasting if you can. You can take a light sattvic diet for spiritual purification.
- Chant and sing bhajans with the procession group. Join kirtans to get amazing spiritual energy.
- Pull the chariot if you can, as it is considered pious and helps seek God's blessings.
- Offer flowers and fruits to the god.
- Visit the Gundicha Temple if you are in Puri. It is considered spiritually significant.
- Offer free water, prasad, first aid kid and the required help to devotees as far as possible.
- Stay hydrated and carry some water bottles.
- Wear comfortable cotton clothes.
- Don’t try to climb the Rath if you are not trained as sevayats (priests). It is essential for your security.
- Keep the surroundings clean as far as you can.
- Raise an alarm for emergency help if you feel unwell during the Rath Yatra. Volunteers will help you in all possible ways.
Conclusion
The Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra is an important religious festival for all Hindus in India and abroad. People participate in it every year to connect themselves to spirituality, eliminate their sins, and seek blessings from god. So, join Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra, pull the Rath, exchange religious greetings with each other, and feel the divine experience. Get Krishna Venugopala South Indian Wood Carvings and required paintings quickly from Cottage9. Just place your order by sharing some details with us. You will get your shipment at the specified address soon.
