Jagannath Rath Yatra Begins Today, Know Its Importance & Tradition

Jagannath Rath Yatra is carried out yearly due to this reason! Find out more about this event beginning from 4th July.

In Hinduism, Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra holds major significance. This public procession is carried out in the city of Puri, Odisha on the Dwitiya tithi (second day) of Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashadha. According to the Hindu beliefs, it is said that Lord Jagannath visits the famous Gundicha Mata Temple with his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra on a chariot or ratha. Therefore, one day prior to this journey, a tradition named Gundicha Marjan is observed according to which, devotees wash and clean the Gundicha Temple. This rath yatra is famous all over the world. Also, several other states of India carry out Jagannath Rath Yatra processions.

हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहां क्लिक करें

Jagannath Rath Yatra Date & Duration

Start	July 3, 2019, From 22:05:58
End	July 4, 2019, Till 19:11:00

Click here to know about the mythological significance of Jagannath Rath Yatra

Major Traditions Observed During Rath Yatra

• Pahandi: The tradition of Pahandi is mainly observed during the Jagannath Rath Yatra. In this, the journey of Balabhadra, Subhadra, and Lord Shri Krishna is carried out by the devotees from the Jagannath temple to the Gundicha Temple on a chariot. According to the mythological stories, it is said that Mata Gundicha was a true devotee of Lord Shri Krishna, and honoring her devotion, the three siblings visit her every year.
• Chera Pahara: The ritual of Chera Pahara is performed on the first day of the Rath Yatra. The King of Puri comes down from his palace and sweeps and cleans the chariot and platform around the deity using a golden broom. As every human being is equal in the eyes of the Lord, hence even a King carries out cleaning tasks.
• Hera Panchami: Hera Panchami is observed on the fifth day of Yatra. On this day, Maa Laxmi comes around, searching for Lord Jagannath, who has left his temple (and the goddess behind) for the journey or yatra.

Importance of Jagannath Rath Yatra

Jagannath Rath Yatra is dedicated to Lord Jagannath and carried out on a yearly basis in the month of Ashadha. In the vedic shastras, Lord Jagannath is said to be an avatar (form) of Lord Vishnu, who is the central, heavenly figure in Hinduism. It is believed that whosoever participates in this yatra with a devoted heart gains salvation after death. Therefore, thousands of devotees take part in this procession.

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