INVC NEWS
Puri – : The Puri’s Jagannath Yatra is one of the most sacred religious pilgrimages in India, which starts every year from the second date of Shukla Paksha of Ashadh month and continues till Dashami Tithi. This time this journey will start from June 27 and end on July 5. People believe that by participating in this journey and visiting Lord Jagannath, all the sorrows and troubles of life go away and one attains salvation after death.
Before setting out on this journey, Lord Jagannath does 14 days of seclusion with his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra. After this, on the second date of Shukla Paksha, he gives darshan to the devotees and the Rath Yatra begins. This tradition is considered very important for the devotees, which gives the message of spiritual peace and happiness and prosperity.
When will the Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra start?
The Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra will start this year on the day of Jyeshtha Purnima i.e. on 11 June. Before this, the Lord will be given a Sahastradhara bath, in which he is bathed with 108 pitchers of water. This bath is a special religious ritual performed before the yatra. After this, the Lord will go to seclusion with his brothers and sisters. This is an important tradition which is associated with the Rath Yatra.
Mythological story of Jagannath Rath Yatra start
There is a mythological story behind the Jagannath Rath Yatra, which is described in the Padma Purana. It is said that in the month of Ashadh, Lord Jagannath’s sister Subhadra expressed her desire to go out and see the city. Then Lord Jagannath built three chariots for his brother Balram and sister Subhadra. The three siblings sat on those chariots and went on a city tour and stayed for seven days at their aunt’s house, which is called Gundicha Temple. After this incident, this Rath Yatra started being taken out every year. In this Rath Yatra, Lord Balaram’s chariot is at the front, sister Subhadra’s chariot in the middle and Lord Jagannath’s chariot at the back.
Beliefs associated with Jagannath Rath Yatra
Jagannath Rath Yatra is one of the most ancient and famous religious traditions of India. It is believed that this journey started between the 12th and 16th centuries, but many different stories and beliefs are prevalent about its origin.
According to one belief, this Rath Yatra symbolizes Lord Krishna’s visit to the birthplace of his mother Devaki. It is said that Lord Krishna started this journey in memory of his mother’s house, which reflects an important event related to his life.
According to another belief, Jagannath Rath Yatra was started by King Indradyumna. King Indradyumna is considered as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and it is said that he organized this journey so that people could see the grand glory of Lord Jagannath and join his devotion.
During this yatra, Lord Jagannath, his brother Balarama and sister Subhadra are taken out in large grand and decorated chariots throughout the city. This yatra is not only a religious festival, but also a means of connecting the community, increasing social harmony and preserving cultural heritage.
During the yatra, devotees pull the chariots of the Lord with their own hands, which is associated with the belief that by doing so all their sins are washed away and they get happiness and peace in life. Therefore, this yatra is not only a religious ritual, but also a symbol of faith, devotion and cultural identity of the people.
