Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026: Every year in the month of Ashadha, Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra is taken out in Puri, Odisha. This Rath Yatra is world famous. Devotees come to Puri from far and wide to see this.
Rath Yatra History: The importance of Jagannath Rath Yatra of Puri, Odisha is considered to be different. Every year lakhs of devotees reach Puri to have darshan of Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra. Crores of people also watch the live telecast of this journey. Rath Yatra is not just a religious event, but it is also a living example of equality, service, devotion and Indian culture. In this journey the boundaries of caste, religion, language and country are left behind and every person is eager to pull the chariot of God.
Who is Lord Jagannath?
Lord Jagannath is considered to be the form of Lord Vishnu and Shri Krishna. Along with him, elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra are also worshipped. Shri Jagannath Temple of Puri is included in the 4 Dhams of India. Visiting here once in a lifetime gives special spiritual results.
Why is Rath Yatra carried out?
According to religious belief, Lord Jagannath along with his brothers and sisters goes to Gundicha temple at his aunt’s house once a year. Gundicha temple is considered to be the house of the Lord’s maternal aunt. The Lord stays here for about a week. After this they return back to the temple. This return journey is called Bahuda Yatra. This entire journey is known as Jagannath Rath Yatra.
How did Jagannath Rath Yatra start?
Rath Yatra is mentioned in Skanda Purana, Brahma Purana and other Vaishnav texts. This tradition has been going on continuously for several hundred years in Puri. Gajapati kings preserved this tradition and even today Gajapati Maharaj of Puri plays a special role in the Rath Yatra.
What is the significance of 3 chariots in Jagannath Rath Yatra?
Three huge chariots are prepared in the Rath Yatra.
1. Nandighosh
Chariot of Lord Jagannath
about 45 feet high
16 wheels
red and yellow decorations
2. Taldhwaj
Chariot of Lord Balabhadra
14 wheels
green and red color combination
3. Darpadalan (Devdalan)
Goddess Subhadra’s chariot
12 wheels
black and red decoration
The most important thing is that every year these three chariots are constructed afresh. Old chariots are not reused.
The tradition of making chariots for Jagannath Rath Yatra is also unique.
A special type of wood is used to make chariots. From choosing wood to preparing the chariot, every work is done as per the prescribed religious rules. Hundreds of artisans work hard continuously for many days. Not a single nail or wood is placed in the chariot on one’s own will, rather everything is done as per age-old tradition.
Why is there a tradition of Chhera Pehra before Jagannath Rath Yatra?
Before the start of the Rath Yatra, Gajapati Maharaj of Puri cleans the three chariots with a golden broom. This ritual is called Chhera Pehra. Its message is – King and common man are equal before God. Service is the biggest religion.
Does God really get sick?
Before the Rath Yatra, the Lord is bathed with 108 pots on Snan Purnima. It is believed that after this the Lord becomes ill and does not appear to the common devotees for about 15 days. This occasion is called Ansar Kaal. After this, God appears in a new form, which is called Navayavan Darshan.
Why is pulling a chariot considered so auspicious?
It is believed that the devotees who pull the chariot of God get special blessings from God. For this reason lakhs of devotees try to pull the chariot by holding the rope. However, due to security arrangements, the administration controls the entire process.
Is the idol of Lord Jagannath different?
Yes. The idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra look different from the idols of normal temples. There are deep religious beliefs behind their big round eyes, incomplete hands and special shape. These are considered symbols of God’s vast and omnipresent nature.
What is the story about the incomplete idol of Lord Jagannath?
It is said that King Indradyumna called Vishwakarma to make the idol of Lord Vishnu. Vishwakarma placed a condition that no one would open the door until the work was completed. But when there was no sound for several days, the king opened the door. At that time the idols were not completely ready. For this reason the idols of Lord Jagannath still appear incomplete.
Rath Yatra is organized not only in Puri but all over the world.
Jagannath Rath Yatra is also organized in many countries of the world including America, Britain, Canada, Australia, Russia, South Africa. ISKCON has a special role in popularizing this tradition on the world stage.
Content Sources: Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Puri, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, Odisha Tourism, Skanda Purana (Purushottama Mahatmya), Brahma Purana and Padma Purana.