History And Significance Of Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra

For a glimpse of Lord Jagannath, whose idol has been taken out from the Jagannath temple on the occasion of the Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra, which started on Tuesday, countless worshippers arrived in Odisha's Puri.

The holy festival is held annually on the second day of the bright fortnight in the month of Ashadha and is organised in accordance with the Hindu calendar. Odisha, a coastal city, celebrates the occasion with great enthusiasm and devotion.

Story behind the Rath Yatra

On their annual vacation, Lord Jagannath, his sister Subhadra, older brother Balabhadra ride in beautiful chariots from the Puri temple to the Gundicha temple, to their aunt's place. This explains that Rath Yatra is also named as the Gundicha Yatra.

What happens during the Rath Yatra?

On this day, majestic chariots carry Lord Jagannath, who is also known as the "Lord of the Universe," from the temple. Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra and Lord Jagannath's idols are also given a tour of the city before being brought to the Gundicha Temple on several chariots. The three idols remain there for a while before going back to the main temple.

Catching a glimpse of the idols riding in chariots on the opening day of the festival's nine days is the main attraction. After the three deities are mounted on the beautiful chariots, the Rath Yatra commences. The names of the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra are Nandighosha, Taladhwaja, and Darpadalan respectively. Numerous devotees pull these chariots.

Bahuda Yatra

The three gods are brought back to Lord Jagannath Temple after reaching the Gundicha Temple. The return trip to the temple is known as the Bahuda Yatra. It happens at the end of the ten-day celebration. The return yatra will take place on June 28, 2023. On the tenth day of the Ashadha month, the return rath yatra begins.