Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026
Image Credit source: PTI
Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026: Every year, on the second day of Shukla Paksha of Ashadh month, Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath is taken out in Puri, Odisha. This holy festival is considered one of the major religious events of Odisha. This year, the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath is going to be taken out on 16th July. The chariots of Jagannath ji’s elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra ji are also present in the Rath Yatra. Lord visits his aunt Gundicha Devi’s place every year.
During this holy festival of God, lakhs of devotees from India and abroad visit the holy place of Lord Jagannath in Puri and participate in the Rath Yatra. There is a religious belief that by participating in the Rath Yatra and pulling the ropes of the chariots, all sins are destroyed. One gets freedom from the cycle of birth and death and attains salvation, but do you know when did the Rath Yatra start? Let us know.
History of Jagannath ji’s Rath Yatra
According to historians, the construction of the present temple of Lord Jagannath was started in the 12th century by King Anantvarman Chodaganga Dev of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. However, the tradition of Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra is believed to be earlier than this. Lord Jagannath’s visit to the city has also been mentioned in many ancient texts. With the passage of time, the tradition of Rath Yatra made its place in major events of the world.
Why is this Rath Yatra carried out?
There is a temple of Gundicha Devi ji in Puri. There is a religious belief that God considers Gundicha Devi as his aunt. Lord visits his aunt’s house once a year with his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra. The Lord rests there for a few days and then returns back to Shrimandir with Bahuda Yatra. This journey is called Jagannath Rath Yatra.
According to another belief, Lord Jagannath comes out of the temple once a year and gives darshan to those devotees who due to some reason do not get a chance to enter the temple. This is the reason why the holy Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath is also considered the festival of union of God and devotee.
Also read: Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026: From Skanda to Brahma Purana, know why Jagannath Rath Yatra is considered so special.
Disclaimer: The information given in this news is based on religious beliefs and general information. TV9 Bharatvarsha does not confirm this.
