Some Interesting facts about Jagannath Rath Yatra.

The Jagannath Rath Yatra of Puri, also called Ratha Jatra, is one of the oldest and largest Hindu chariot festivals, celebrated annually in the Hindu month of Ashadha (June–July). Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Krishna, is worshipped in the state of Odisha, where this grand festival takes place.

The Rath Yatra begins on the second day of the bright fortnight of Ashadha and lasts for nine days. It is not just a religious event but a grand celebration of faith, love, and devotion, recognized and observed worldwide.

During this Yatra, Lord Jagannath comes out of his temple (called Shri Mandir) with his brother Balram and sister Subhadra. The three deities are placed on massive, beautifully decorated chariots (Nandighosa for Jagannath, Taladhwaja for Balabhadra, and Darpadalana for Subhadra) and are pulled through the streets of Puri by thousands of devotees, allowing people to see and worship them closely.

The deities travel to the Gundicha Temple, located about 3 kilometers from the main temple. This temple is believed to be the home of Lord Jagannath’s aunt, which is why it is also known as "Mausi Bari" (Aunt’s House). The Lord stays there for seven days, giving devotees a rare and special opportunity to offer prayers outside the main temple.

The Rath Yatra begins at the Jagannath Temple in Puri, where the grand chariots are pulled by thousands of devoted followers through the streets in a deeply spiritual and joyous procession.

The Story Behind Rath Yatra

According to legend, once Goddess Subhadra asked Lord Jagannath to take her around the city. She wanted to see how people live and understand their daily lives. To fulfill her wish, Lord Jagannath planned a journey and took both Subhadra and Balram with him on a chariot ride through the city. Since then, this tradition has been followed every year.

When Lord Jagannath reaches the Gundicha Temple—also known as the Mausi Maa Temple or Ardhashosini Temple—he is welcomed with a special sweet dish called Poda Pitha, a traditional delicacy from Odisha. This offering, made from fermented rice, black gram, grated coconut, and jaggery, is considered one of the Lord’s favorites. During his seven-day stay at the temple, devotees worship him with the same love and devotion as in the main shrine.

As they return, the deities' chariots are once again pulled by thousands of devotees, accompanied by music, drums, singing, and dancing. This divine and grand celebration draws hundreds of thousands of people to Puri, Odisha, every year.

This sacred journey reminds us that God does not reside only in temples but lives in every heart.

Why Does Lord Jagannath Fall Sick Before the Yatra?

There is another interesting tradition before the Rath Yatra. On the day of Snan Purnima (Full Moon of Jyestha month), Lord Jagannath is given a special bath with many pots of water. After this holy bath, the Lord falls ill and rests in isolation for 15 days. During this time, no one is allowed to see him.

According to a story, a devotee named Madhavdas was once very sick. He prayed to the Lord to cure him. The Lord told him that he had to suffer due to his past karma. Seeing his deep sorrow, the Lord took the illness upon himself, and Madhavdas became well. Since then, the tradition started where the Lord becomes sick for 15 days after the holy bath, and only after recovering, he comes out for the Rath Yatra.

Why is the Rath Yatra So Special?

Three big chariots are made every year for Lord Jagannath, Balram, and Subhadra. Each chariot is different in size, design, and colour. People pull these chariots with ropes, and it is believed that doing so brings salvation (moksha).

This Yatra brings people together beyond religion, caste, or class. Everyone feels lucky to pull the Lord's chariot. Although it starts in Puri, the Jagannath Rath Yatra is now celebrated across the world in places like the USA, UK, Russia, and Australia, mostly by ISKCON temples.

The Jagannath Rath Yatra is more than just a religious procession—it's a powerful expression of devotion, humility, and unity. In this sacred event, Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings, comes out of the temple and joins the people. This act symbolizes that the divine is not distant or confined within temple walls but is present among the people, sharing in their joys and sorrows. For those who cannot visit the temple due to age, illness, or distance, the Yatra becomes a rare and blessed opportunity to have a direct glimpse of their beloved deity.

More importantly, the festival sends a strong message of inclusiveness and equality. By stepping outside the temple, the Lord shows that divine love transcends caste, creed, and social status. It breaks down barriers between the sacred and the everyday, reminding us that God lives in every heart, not just in sanctuaries. Visiting Puri during the Rath Yatra is considered a deeply transformative experience—not just a celebration, but a moment of true spiritual connection. [Rh/VP]