Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026Image Credit source: Getty Images
Jagannath Rath Yatra Significance: In the Sanatan tradition, many religious festivals and yatras are organized throughout the year, but the grandeur and importance of Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra held in Puri, Odisha is different from most. Every year, lakhs of devotees from all over the country and the world reach Puri to witness this Rath Yatra, which starts on the second day of Shukla Paksha of Ashadh month. It is not just a religious event, but a gathering of faith, dedication and mythological mysteries, which is mentioned in great detail in our ancient texts.
In the year 2026, Amarnath Yatra will start from 3rd July and will end on 28th August 2026. Often people see it as just an annual festival, but in great texts like Skanda Purana, Narad Purana, Padma Purana and Brahma Purana, this Rath Yatra has been described as the gateway to salvation. Let us know that in these Puranas Jagannath Rath Yatra What secrets have been told about it and why its importance is considered so supernatural.
What is Jagannath Rath Yatra?
Jagannath Rath Yatra is mainly organized in Puri, Odisha. On this day Lord Jagannath along with his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra rides on grand chariots and goes from Shrimandir to Gundicha temple. This journey is also considered a symbol of Lord visiting his aunt’s house. After staying in the Gundicha temple for a few days, the Lord returns on his return journey, which is called Bahuda Yatra.
What is said in Skanda Purana?
There is special mention of the importance of Jagannath Dham and Rath Yatra in Skanda Purana. According to religious belief, a person who sees the chariot of Lord Jagannath or participates in the Rath Yatra with devotion, gets the same virtue as many yagyas and pilgrimages. It is also believed that the Lord himself comes out of the temple to be among his devotees, so that every person can have his darshan.
Importance of Rath Yatra in Brahma Purana
In Brahma Purana, the journey of Lord Jagannath has been described as the journey that bestows salvation. It is believed that seeing God and remembering His name during this time destroys a person’s sins and gives him the blessings of spiritual progress. This is the reason why every year lakhs of devotees reach Puri to be a part of this yatra.
Mention is also found in Narad Purana and other scriptures.
According to religious texts, Lord Jagannath is not just the deity of a temple, but he is considered the protector of the entire creation. Narada Purana and other religious texts also tell about the importance of darshan of God, devotion and Rath Yatra. It is said in these scriptures that when God tours the city sitting on a chariot, he showers his blessings equally on all the devotees.
What is the religious significance of pulling the chariot?
The most special tradition in Jagannath Rath Yatra is that of pulling the chariot of the Lord with a rope by the devotees. There is a religious belief that by pulling the rope of the chariot with devotion and devotion, a person gets special virtue. It is not only a religious ritual but also considered a symbol of dedication and service to God. Every year these chariots are constructed from new wood according to the traditional method, which is a unique feature of this tradition.
Major beliefs related to Rath Yatra
There are many religious beliefs prevalent regarding Rath Yatra. It is believed that seeing God on this day brings happiness and prosperity in life. Those who due to some reason are unable to reach the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, the Lord himself comes out and gives them darshan. For this reason, it is also called the most welfare journey of God.
Also read: Why does Lord Jagannath come out of the temple only once a year? Know that secret
Disclaimer: The information given in this news is based on religious beliefs and general information. TV9 Bharatvarsh does not confirm this
