The Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri, Odisha is not just a religious festival but a symbol of age-old faith and tradition. Every year lakhs of devotees participate in this grand journey, but very few people know that the story of the wood from which the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra were made is equally amazing.

It is believed that this was not an ordinary wood, but by the will of God himself, it reached King Indradyumna through the sea. This is the reason why this story is considered to have special importance in the traditions of Jagannath Dham. At the center of this entire story is King Indradyumna of Malwa, who is considered a great devotee of Lord Jagannath. It is said that after receiving the divine signal, he made the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra from the sacred wood found on the beach.

Who was King Indradyumna?

According to mythological beliefs, King Indradyumna of Malwa (Avantinagar/Ujjain) was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu. His life was inspired by the desire to see God face to face. There is also mention of his penance, devotion and search for Lord Jagannath in Mahabharata and Skanda Purana. It is believed that it was due to his efforts that the temple of Lord Jagannath was established in Puri.

Where was the sacred wood found?

According to the story, once King Indradyumna reached Neelachal with the desire to see Lord Shiva, but he could not see him. While returning disappointed, he heard a divine voice from the sky that God would soon appear on earth in a new form. This message further strengthened the king’s faith. After some time the king reached the beach of Puri. There his eyes fell on two divine wooden logs floating in the waves of the sea. The king immediately remembered what Akashvani had said and he understood that this was the sacred wood from which the idols of God were to be made. He immediately got those woods taken out from the sea and kept at a safe place and decided to make statues of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra from them.

Why is the story of wood considered special?

According to religious beliefs, this wood chosen for the idols of God was not from any ordinary tree, but was received as a divine sign. That is why even today, during the tradition of ‘Navaklevar’ in Jagannath temple, sacred Neem (Daru) is searched according to special rules and religious rituals and new idols are prepared from it.

When is Jagannath Rath Yatra being taken out?

Jagannath Rath Yatra of Puri is considered to be almost a thousand years old tradition. According to historians, its grand form was established in the 12th century during the reign of Ganga dynasty. In the year 2026, Rath Yatra will start from 16th July and continue till 24th July. During this, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra ride on huge chariots to Gundicha temple and lakhs of devotees participate in this journey by pulling ropes.

What is the importance of Rath Yatra?

It is believed that Rath Yatra symbolizes the arrival of Lord Jagannath among his devotees. During this time, God comes out of the temple and gives darshan to all the people. Therefore this journey is considered to be the biggest celebration of equality, devotion and unwavering faith in God. At the same time, the story of the sacred wood found from the sea for the idols of God makes this tradition even more mysterious and filled with reverence.