Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2023। Puri Rath Yatra Festival

Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra begins on Dwitiya of Shukla Paksha during Aashaadh month. This is one of the most magnificent festivals celebrated in Orissa. A lot of devotees visit Puri to be a part of this magnificent festival every year. This festival is celebrated with a lot of zeal and excitement for nine days.

Idols of Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Balbhadra and sister Subhadra are carried in the Rath (chariot). This yatra is popular all around India. Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra is celebrated during Aashaadh month. This yatra comprises of three Devas. A chariot carrying idols of the three Lords is taken to Gudia temple which is two kilometers from Jagannath temple. This chariot is brought back on the ninth day. Lord Krishna, Balram and Goddess Subhadra are worshipped for nine days during this period.

Lord Jagannath is worshipped in these nine days. According to a legend, Adi Shankaracharya established Govardhan Peeth in this place. Since the ancient times, Puri has been famous because of its saints and religious values. Asylums of a lot of saints can be seen here. It is believed that during Treta yug, Rameshwar dham was a holy place. During Dwapar yug, Dwarika was a holy place and during Kalyug, Puri serves the same purpose. Jagannath Puri is one of the holy and sacred places in India.

Jagannath Yatra description

Jagannath Rath is dedicated to lord Jagannath. It is about 45 feet tall. The last chariot is dedicated to Lord Jagannath. Lord Jagannath was an incarnation of Lord Krishna. Hence, he is decorated with yellow or orange clothes. The idols used in Puri are nothing like the other idols in India.

The first chariot in this yatra is dedicated to Lord Balram. It is about 44 feet tall. Blue color is primarily used in the decoration of this chariot. This chariot is followed by the one dedicated to Goddess Subhadra which is 43 feet tall. Black color is primarily used in the decoration of this chariot. These chariots travels the whole city in the morning. It moves at a slow pace. The chariots reach the temple in the evening. The idols are then taken to the temple.

The idols are kept in the temple till the seventh day. A lot of devotees can be seen in the temple during these seven days. Devotees visit this temple even in the immense heat. Prasad is distributed in the form of Gopal bhog among devotees.

The chariot moves back to Jagannath temple after the seventh day. Huge ropes are used to pull the chariots. Yatra takes place in the birthplace of Lord Jagannath. This is known as Bahuda. Touching or pulling the ropes is considered to be very auspicious.