Jagannath Rath Yatra Starts Today: God Will Reach Gundicha Temple on This Day, See the Complete Schedule of 10 Days
Jagannath Rath Yatra: One of the most vibrant and important festivals in Hindu culture, the Jagannath Rath Yatra, begins today. This grand procession, which has been celebrated for centuries, involves the deity Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and his sister Subhadra, who travel from their abode Jagannath temple to Gundicha temple. This 10-day event is a spectacular example of devotion, tradition, and sheer human energy, attracting millions of devotees from all over the world.
Day 1: Rath Yatra begins
Jagannath Rath Yatra: The festival begins with an elaborate ritual known as ‘Pahandi Bije’, where the deities are ceremoniously brought out of the Jagannath temple. Amidst the resounding beats of drums, cymbals, and conch shells, the idols are carried on their respective chariots: Nandighosa for Lord Jagannath, Taladhwaja for Balabhadra, and Darpadalan for Subhadra. This marks the beginning of the grand Rath Yatra.
Day 2: Visit to Gundicha Temple
On the second day, the deities are seen starting their journey towards the Gundicha temple, which is about 3 kilometers away. The beautifully decorated and massive chariots are pulled by thousands of devotees who consider this task a sacred duty. The streets of Puri are filled with pilgrims, all eager to catch a glimpse of the deities. This slow-moving, awe-inspiring procession can take several hours, even into the night.
Day 3: Rest day at Gundicha Temple
The deities are ceremoniously welcomed on reaching the Gundicha temple. This temple, also known as Jagannath Garden House, serves as the abode of the deities for the next seven days. The third day is a day of rest for the deities after their long journey, and they remain inside the temple, where various rituals and offerings take place.
Day 4 to 6: Stop at Gundicha Temple
During these days, devotees have the unique opportunity to pray and seek blessings directly at the Gundicha temple. The temple complex is abuzz with religious activities, cultural programs, and traditional performances. Special bhog (food offerings) are offered to the deities, and the atmosphere is filled with devotion and festive enthusiasm.
Day 7: Hera Panchami
The seventh day marks the celebration of Hera Panchami. According to legend, this day commemorates the visit of Lord Jagannath’s wife, Goddess Lakshmi, to the Gundicha temple to inquire about his delayed return. A symbolic ritual is performed, where the idol of Goddess Lakshmi is taken in a procession to the Gundicha temple, and she expresses her displeasure by symbolically causing slight damage to the chariot of Lord Jagannath.
Day 8: Preparation for return
On the eighth day, preparations begin for the return journey of the gods. The chariots are once again brought before the temple, and the idols are ceremoniously placed back on them. The excitement and enthusiasm reach its peak among the devotees as they prepare for the return of the deities to the Jagannath temple.
Day 9: Bahuda Yatra
The ninth day is known as the Bahuda Yatra, the return journey. The deity follows the same path and retraces his steps towards the Jagannath temple. The return journey is equally grand and has the same level of excitement and devotion. Thousands of devotees gather to pull chariots, sing hymns, and chant mantras.
Day 10: Suna Besha and Niladri Bije
The last day is marked by the Suna Besha ceremony, where the deities are adorned with gold ornaments and appear in their most grand form. This grand darshan is a wonderful sight for the devotees. After this, the deities are taken back to the sanctum sanctorum of the Jagannath temple in a ritual called Neeladri Bija, marking the end of the Rath Yatra festival.
Jagannath Rath Yatra is more than just a festival; it is a deeply spiritual experience that embodies the essence of devotion and the timeless traditions of Hindu culture. The entire journey from the beginning till the return is filled with rituals, ceremonies, and vibrant displays of cultural heritage, making it an event of great significance and joy for millions of devotees across the world.
Jagannath Rath Yatra: Lord Jagannath Lives Among the Common People from Ashadh Shukla Dwitiya to Dashami: From Ashadh Shukla Dwitiya to Dashami, Lord Jagannath, along with his elder brother Balram and sister Subhadra.
From Ashadh Shukla Dwitiya to Dashami, Lord Jagannath leaves his sanctum sanctorum and goes to Jagannath temple along with his elder brother Balram and sister Subhadra to live among the common people. This period marks the grand festival of Rath Yatra, during which the deities set out on a journey to the Gundicha temple.
For these ten days, devotees from all walks of life get a rare opportunity to see and worship the deities up close and celebrate their presence with the utmost joy and reverence. This festival symbolizes access to the divine, breaking down the barriers between the gods and their devotees.
The streets of Puri come alive with vibrant processions, chanting, and devotional songs, reflecting the deep faith and cultural richness of this age-old tradition. The Rath Yatra not only unites people in devotion but also displays a sense of community and shared heritage.
Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024: The Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath is Starting Today in Puri, Orissa
Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra is starting today in Puri, Orissa. Held every year during Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashadha, this grand festival marks an important event in Hindu culture. The deities, Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Balarama, and his sister Subhadra, emerge from their sanctum sanctorum in the Jagannath temple to visit the Gundicha temple.
The streets of Puri turn into a sea of devotees, all eager to catch a glimpse of the divine trio.
The majestic chariots, adorned with intricate decorations, are pulled by thousands of devotees, symbolizing their devotion and eagerness to serve the Lord. Rath Yatra is not just a religious event but a cultural festival that showcases the rich traditions and unity of the people. As the deities enter the city, the air is filled with the palpable energy of chanting, bhajans, and devotion, making it a truly mesmerizing experience.
Conclusion
The Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath is a vibrant picture of faith, culture, and community spirit. This annual journey from Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple gives devotees a chance to experience a deep connection with the divine. As the royal chariots roll through the streets of Puri, the festival becomes a living testimony of India’s enduring traditions and rich cultural heritage. The ten days of the Rath Yatra are a reminder of the inclusive nature of devotion, bringing people from all walks of life together in celebration. As the gods bless their devotees with their presence, the Rath Yatra continues to inspire and unite, creating lasting memories and strengthening the eternal bond between the divine and the mortal