The famous Bhagwan Shri Jagannath ‘Rath-Yatra’ starts today at Puri !

Puri (Odisha) – The annual ‘Rath-Yatra’ at the famous Jagannath Temple will be starting on the 1st of July 2022 i.e. from ‘Ashadha Shukla Paksha Dwiteeya’ as per the Hindu calendar. Jagannath Puri temple is one of the ancient and auspicious temples among ‘Char Dham’ and is more than 800 years old. Bhagwan Shrikrushna is present here in the form of Shri Jagannath. Along with Him, His elder brother Balram, and sister Subhadra is also worshipped here.

1. Three chariots (Rath) are prepared for Bhagwan Shrikrushna, Balram (Balabhadra), and Subhadra. The chariot of Balram is taken in front, Devi Subhadra’s chariot is kept in the centre, and Bhagwan Shrikrushna’s chariot is behind these two chariots.

2. Balram’s chariot is known as ‘Taladhvaj’. Its colour is red and green. Devi Subhadra’s chariot is known as ‘Darpadaalan’ or ‘Padma-rath’ which is black or blue while Bhagwan Shrikrushna’s chariot is known as ‘Nandighosha’ or ‘Garud-dhvaj’ and it is red or yellow.

3. A ritual, known as ‘Chhera Pahara’, is performed when the three chariots are ready. ‘Gajapati Raja’ of Puri comes in a palanquin and performs ‘puja’ of the three chariots. The marquee of the chariot and the path is cleaned with a gold broom.

4. The devotees pull these chariots amidst drums. The devotees, who get a chance to pull the chariot, consider themselves very fortunate. As per the ‘Puranas’, one who gets to pull the chariot, gets liberated.

5. The ‘Rath-Yatra’ starts from Jagannath Temple and is taken upto Gundicha  Temple. On reaching there, Bhagwan Shri Jagannath, Balram, and Subhadra rest for seven days. ‘Darshan’ of Bhagwan Shri Jagannath at Gundicha Temple is known as ‘Aadap Darshan’.

6. Gundicha Temple is said to be the home of Bhagwan Shri Jagannath’s aunty and is also called ‘Gundicha Baadi’. Bhagwan Shri Jagannath returns to His temple on ‘Shukla Paksha Ekadashi’; thus concluding the ‘Yatra’. On return, all Idols are kept in the chariots on that day. On the following day of Ekadashi, the temple doors are opened for Deities. All the Deities are then given a ritualistic bath and re-consecrated in the temple at the chanting time of the temple.