The Grand Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath A Celebration of Devotion and Unity
Jai Prabhu Shri Jagannath
Today, June 27, 2025, marks the beginning of a sacred journey for Lord Jagannath and his siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, as they embark on their annual sojourn to their birthplace, the Gundicha Temple. This nine-day festival, known as the Rath Yatra, is a significant event in Hindu mythology, attracting millions of devotees from around the world.
The Rath Yatra commemorates the journey of Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and his siblings from their abode, the 12th-century Jagannath Temple, to the Gundicha Temple, believed to be their aunt’s home. The deities board three huge decorated chariots, each distinct from the other, and are pulled by devotees on the Bada Danda (Grand Road) of Puri town.
The chariots, made afresh every year from locally available trees, are a marvel of craftsmanship. Nearly 200 skilled artisans work tirelessly for two months to shape these magnificent structures. The chariots are decorated with vibrant colors, intricate designs, and wooden horses, each with its own unique characteristics.
The Rath Yatra is not just a festival; it’s a celebration of devotion, unity, and spiritual growth. It’s believed that witnessing the deities on their elaborately decorated chariots will cleanse people of their sins and grant them salvation. According to the Bamadeva Samhita, a religious text associated with the Puri temple, any pilgrim who witnesses the four deities on their simhasana (sacred seat) of Gundicha Temple for a week would be granted a place in Baikuntha, the heavenly abode, along with their ancestors for eternity.
As the Rath Yatra concludes on July 5 with the Bahuda Yatra (returning car festival), devotees will bid farewell to the deities as they return to their abode. The festival presents an opportunity for foreign devotees to visit Puri and experience the rich cultural heritage of Odisha. It’s a time for spiritual growth, self-reflection, and celebration of the divine.
The Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath is a testament to the power of faith and devotion. It’s a reminder that, despite our differences, we are all connected through our shared humanity and our quest for spiritual enlightenment. As we witness the deities on their chariots, we are reminded of the importance of humility, compassion, and selflessness.
Jai Prabhu Shri Jagannath
Lokanath Mishra