Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra | Puri jagannath Temple

Q: What is the story behind Jagannath Rath Yatra?

It is believed that Queen Gundicha requested the king to organize this festival, so that sinners and poor untouchables, who were usually not allowed to enter the temple, could have a glimpse of Lord Jagannath in His chariot and thus attain salvation.

Q: Is Puri Jagannath temple open during Rath Yatra?

The Jagannath temple will be closed after the Snan Yatra and will be reopened on the day of Rath Yatra.

Q: Are jeans allowed in Jagannath Temple?

Dresses like half pants, shorts, torn jeans, skirts and sleeveless dresses are not allowed.

Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra is one of the most important and grand festivals in India. Celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion in the coastal city of Puri in Odisha. This annual chariot festival honors Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, along with his siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra. The Rath Yatra, or Chariot Journey, attracts millions of devotees and tourists from all over the world like Golden Triangle tour 4 Days. Making it a truly global celebration of spirituality and culture. Puri jagannath temple, The date of the festival is determined according to the Hindu lunar calendar. It usually falls on the Dwitiya tithi during the Shukla Paksha of the Ashad month (June–July).

History Of The Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra

The Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra and puri Jagannath temple hold immense significance in Hindu mythology and culture. The origins of the Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra are centuries old and are deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and tradition. People believe the festival started when Goddess Subhadra, the sister of Lord Jagannath, expressed her desire to come to Puri. To fulfill his wish, Lord Jagannath, along with his brother Lord Balabhadra, set out on the Rath Yatra to Puri. Since then, devotees celebrate Rath Yatra every year according to the Hindu calendar.

According to Hindu mythology, a dream instructed King Indradyumna of Malwa to install the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra in a grand temple. The king discovered the sacred log, known as ‘Daru Brahma,’ from which the idols were carved, following divine guidance. The festival commemorates the annual journey of these Gods from their abode in the puri Jagannath temple to the Gundicha Temple, where they stay for nine days before returning. This tradition symbolizes the Lord’s desire to visit his birthplace and meet devotees, reflecting the concept of divine access in Hinduism.

Timing and Date of Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2024

This year, the Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra will be celebrated on Sunday, 7 July, 2024. The festival usually takes place in the month of June or July and lasts for several days. Dwitiya Tithi begins 4:26 AM, 7 July 2024 and Dwitiya Tithi ends 04:59 AM, 8 July 2024.

Why People Celebrate The Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra

People celebrate the Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra to honor the visit of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra to the Gundicha Temple, the abode of their aunt. This journey reflects several spiritual themes, including:

Divine Participation: The gods’ departure from their sanctums and meeting with devotees represents the removal of barriers between the divine and mortal worlds.
Universal Brotherhood: The festival underlines the idea of unity and brotherhood. As people from different regions come together to pull the chariot.
Rejuvenation: Staying at the Gundicha Temple symbolizes rejuvenation and renewal of the spiritual and physical realms.

Path And Distance

The Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra covers a distance of about 3 kilometers from the puri Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple. However, due to the large crowd, the Puri Rath Yatra takes a few hours to reach. The yatra involves elaborate rituals and a grand procession of three magnificent chariots:

Nandighos: The chariot of Lord Jagannath, measuring around 45 feet in height with 16 wheels.
Taladhwaja: The Chariot of Lord Balabhadra, about 44 feet high with 14 wheels.
Darpadalana: The Chariot of Goddess Subhadra, about 43 feet high with 12 wheels.

Path And Key Landmarks

Starting Point: The rath yatra starts from the main entrance of the puri Jagannath Temple, known as Singhadwara or Singhdwar.
Bada Danda: The Grand Road, or Bada Danda, is the main route of the Yatra. Which is packed with devotees and decorated.
Mausima Temple: Midway through the journey, the chariots stop at Mausima Temple. Where a special sweet called ‘Poda Pitha’ is offered to the god’s.
End Point: The final destination is the Gundicha Temple, where the god’s reside for nine days.

Detailed Rituals and Celebrations

Preparation And Construction of Chariots

Preparations for the Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra begin months in advance with the construction of huge chariots. Skilled artisans build these chariots following traditional methods, using specific types of wood and following ancient design principles. The festival begins with Snaan Purnima, during which devotees bathe the idols with water from 108 pots.

Snana Purnima

The festival begins with Snaan Purnima, during which the temple bathes the idols with 108 pots of water. People believe that this ritual purifies the gods and prepares them for their afterlife journey.

Pahandi Bije

On the day of the Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra. During the Pahandi Bije ritual, devotees ceremoniously bring the gods out of the sanctum and place them on their respective chariots. The process involves a synchronized dance-like movement accompanied by the rhythmic beats of traditional instruments.

Pulling of the Chariots

The most awaited thing is the pulling of the chariots by thousands of devotees. People consider this act highly auspicious, as they believe it brings blessings and divine grace. The chariots slowly move forward, driven by the combined efforts and devotion of the crowd.

Stay at Gundicha Temple

After reaching the Gundicha Temple the god’s stay for nine days. During this period, the temple conducts special rituals and offerings, and devotees get a rare opportunity to see and worship the gods up close.

Return Journey: Bahuda Yatra

The return journey, known as Bahuda Yatra, follows the same route back to the puri Jagannath temple. The festival includes another important stop at the Mausi Maa Temple, and concludes with the reinstallation of the Gods into their sanctum.

Accommodation and Facilities

In Puri there are a variety of accommodation options available. Hotels in jagannath puri, hotel near jagannath temple puri. It is advisable that you book your stay early, as the city witnesses a huge influx of tourists during Rath Yatra. Many hotels and lodges are located near the puri jagannath temple and the beach, providing convenient access to the festival.

How to Reach Puri for Rath Yatra

Located in the eastern state of Odisha. Various modes of transportation connect Puri well, making it accessible to devotees and tourists.

By Air

The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, about 60 kilometers from Puri. Regular flights connect Bhubaneshwar to major cities across India.

By Train

Puri Railway Station is a major station with direct trains from various parts of the country including Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai. It is advisable to book tickets well in advance due to the heavy rush of pilgrims during the festival.

By Road

Puri is well connected by a network of highways. Buses, taxis and private vehicles can easily reach the city from the nearby areas. National Highway 316 connects Puri to Bhubaneswar and other important towns.

Conclusion

The Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra is more than just a festival; it is a vibrant tapestry of faith, tradition, and communal harmony. This grand spectacle not only celebrates the divine journey of the deities but also brings together millions of devotees in a shared expression of devotion. Whether you are a spiritual seeker or a cultural enthusiast, the Rath Yatra offers an unforgettable experience of India’s rich heritage and enduring spirituality.

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FAQs:

What is the story behind Jagannath Rath Yatra?

Queen Gundicha requested the king to organize this festival so that sinners and poor untouchables, who were usually not allowed to enter the temple, could glimpse Lord Jagannath in His chariot and attain salvation.

How many days are there in Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra?

Nine Days.

Is Puri Jagannath temple open during Rath Yatra?

The temple authorities will close the Jagannath temple after the Snan Yatra and will reopen it on the day of Rath Yatra.

Can anyone participate in the Rath Yatra?

Yes, the Rath Yatra is open to all. Devotees from all over the world participate in pulling the chariots and taking part in the festivities.

Are jeans allowed in Jagannath Temple?

The temple does not allow dresses like half pants, shorts, torn jeans, skirts, and sleeveless dresses.