Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026: Why does Lord Jagannath come out of the temple only once a year? Know that secret

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026Image Credit source: Getty Images

Jagannath Rath Yatra Mystery: The Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath is considered one of the biggest and grandest religious festivals of Hindu religion. Every year lakhs of devotees wait for this holy journey. The special thing is that Lord Jagannath remains seated in his temple throughout the year, but comes out of the temple only once a year during the Rath Yatra with his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra. Behind this tradition, a unique confluence of religious beliefs, mythological stories and social messages can be seen. During this, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra rode on huge and grand chariots from the temple. Gundicha Temple Travel to Bhagwan’s Aunt’s House. According to the Drik Panchang, in the year 2026, the famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath will start from Thursday, July 16 and will conclude on July 24, 2026.

Why does Lord Jagannath come out of the temple?

According to religious beliefs, Lord Jagannath is called Patita Pavan, which means the God who does welfare of all people. It is believed that in ancient times, certain sections of the society were not allowed to enter the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. In such a situation, God himself gives the message of coming among his devotees. During the Rath Yatra, the Lord comes out of the temple and gives darshan to everyone without any discrimination. This is the reason why this festival is also considered a symbol of social equality. On this day any person, irrespective of his caste, religion or social status, can have darshan of God and seek his blessings.

Artisans and servants giving final touches to the chariot before the Rath Yatra festival (File Photo)

The story of Rath Yatra is related to Subhadra’s wish.

There is also a popular mythological story behind the Rath Yatra. It is believed that Lord Krishna’s younger sister Subhadra once expressed her desire to see and visit Puri city. To fulfill this wish of his beloved sister, Lord Jagannath and his elder brother Balabhadra got chariots prepared. After this, both the brothers along with their sister Subhadra went out for a city tour. It is said that Jagannath Rath Yatra is organized every year to commemorate this incident. This journey is also considered a symbol of brother-sister love and family affection.

What is the importance of visiting Gundicha Temple?

During the Rath Yatra, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra leave the Sri Mandir and reach Gundicha Temple. According to religious beliefs, this place is considered to be the house of God’s aunt. Here they rest for a few days and then return to Shrimandir through Bahuda Yatra. Devotees believe that having darshan of God during Rath Yatra brings special blessings and removes the troubles of life. This is the reason why lakhs of devotees from India and abroad reach Puri and become a part of this divine festival.

Also read: Lion Gate or Horse Gate? Know from which door Lord Jagannath comes out on the day of Rath Yatra

Disclaimer: The information given in this news is based on religious beliefs and general information. TV9 Bharatvarsha does not confirm this.

Varun Chauhan

More than a decade of experience in electronic and digital media. After doing a journalism course from Asian Academy of Film and Television (AAFT) Noida in 2008, I started my journey in media with the idea of ​​doing something different and new. Since the beginning, I have been interested in making those topics related to Indian culture and religious traditions available to the common people. During his career, he got the opportunity to work in prestigious media organizations like Channel One News, Sahara Samay, A2Z News, News Express, National Voice and Punjab Kesari Digital. While working in these institutions, I got the experience of learning news writing, field reporting, and digital content. At present, in the country’s largest news network TV9 Bharatvarsha, I am fulfilling the responsibility of delivering news related to religion and faith, religious events, astrology, vastu, mythology, temple traditions and fasts and festivals to the readers in simple, easy and factual language. Coverage of Maha Kumbh 2025 is one of the important experiences of my career, where I got the opportunity to write in detail on the faith of crores of devotees, the traditions of Akharas, the activities of Sant Samaj and the religious and cultural aspects related to Kumbh. Apart from this, he has also continuously written on Chardham Yatra, Sawan, Navratri, Diwali, Holi, Chhath Puja, Amarnath Yatra, Ramzan and other major religious events. I have special interest in the study of Indian culture, religious philosophy, astrology, numerology, Vastu Shastra, Puranas and folk beliefs. My endeavor is always to convey religious and spiritual topics to the readers through simple language, so that they can better understand their traditions and cultural heritage.

Read More