The religious traditions of India are known for their uniqueness and grandeur. One of these major celebrations is the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri, Orissa, which is celebrated every year to Ashada Shukla Dwitiya. This journey is not only a symbol of reverence, but also a lively expression of the deep relationship between God and the devotee.
This year Jagannath Rath Yatra will be held on 27 June 2025, Friday, which is Ashada Shukla Dwitiya Tithi. This day will remain in Punarvasu Nakshatra till 7:21 am and then in Pushya Nakshatra, which is considered extremely auspicious. On this day, lakhs of devotees pull the vast chariots of God in Puri Dham with ropes, singing and singing in devotion with drums and drums.
Lord Jagannath along with his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra also sits on the chariots in Puri’s Rath Yatra. These chariots are constructed every year with new wood:
These chariots are manufactured by traditional craftsmen by a special method, which is considered a virtuous work of ‘chariot construction’.
According to Jyotishacharya Dr. Arvind Mishra, this journey is mentioned in the Vaishnav section of Skanda Purana. Its major mythology is as follows:
It is said that Goddess Subhadra expressed his desire to visit the city from Lord Jagannath. God, along with his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra, visited the city on the chariot and went to his aunt Gundicha Devi’s house. There was a return after staying for 7 days. Based on this story, this grand journey is done every year.
According to another belief, the journey takes place in memory of Shri Krishna’s departure, when he went to Mathura from Vrindavan with Balaram and Subhadra.
A unique and emotional story is associated with Muslim devotee Salbig. It is said that Lord Jagannath once appeared in a dream to Salbig. The tomb of Salbeg is located on the Puri Rath Marg and the chariot of God stops automatically in front of that tomb every year, as if God is bowing to his devotee.
The idols of the Puri Jagannath temple live in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple throughout the year and are brought out only on the day of Rath Yatra. This is the reason that millions of devotees reach Puri only to see God this one day.
In the Rath Yatra, God reaches his aunt’s house Gundicha temple, where he stays for 7 days. After this, the reverse Rath Yatra is taken out, in which God returns to the Jagannath temple again. This entire event is experienced by deep spiritual celebration for devotees.
