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Jagannath Ratha Yatra Festival 2024

 

Jagannath Ratha Yatra Festival 2024: Jagannath Temple Puri, Odisha


Jagannath Ratha Yatra is a Hindu festival celebrated in honor of Lord Jagannath, a form of Vishnu, and his siblings, Balabhadra and Subhadra. It is observed by pulling a chariot that carries the deities through the streets, allowing devotees to join in the procession and seek blessings from the gods.


Jagannath Ratha Yatra Festival 2024
Jagannath Ratha Yatra Festival 2024 

Shri Jagannath Temple Puri: A Journey Through Tradition and Devotion

Puri Jagannath Temple History:

The Jagannath Rath Yatra is an annual Hindu festival that celebrates the journey of Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Lord Balabhadra, and his younger sister Goddess Subhadra from their home temple in Puri, Odisha, to their aunt’s temple in Gundicha, about three kilometers away. The legend behind the festival is that once, Goddess Subhadra expressed her desire to visit her aunt’s place in Gundicha. To fulfill her wish, Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra decided to accompany her on a chariot ride. This event is commemorated yearly by taking the deities on a similar journey.




The festival dates back to at least the 12th century CE when the Shri Jagannath Temple Puri was built by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva. However, some sources suggest that the festival has been practiced since ancient times. The festival is also known as the Festival of Chariots, as the deities are carried on three massive wooden chariots that are pulled by devotees with ropes. It begins on the second day of the bright fortnight of the month of Ashadha (June-July) and lasts for nine days.

Features of the Chariots: The rupakar servitors are skilled craftsmen responsible for carving intricate figures of birds, animals, flowers, and guardian deities on the chariots.


About Three Rath Yatra - Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha
About Three Rath Yatra - Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha


Puri Jagannath Temple Banjara Hills: The Jagannath Puri Temple is one of the most impressive monuments in the Indian State of Odisha. This temple is known as the “White Pagoda” and is a part of the Char Dham pilgrimages (Badrinath, Dwaraka, Puri, Rameswaram). It is a splendid example of Kalinga architecture, characterized by curvilinear towers, intricate carvings, and ornate sculptures. The temple complex is surrounded by a high wall with four gates facing the four cardinal directions. The main temple consists of four structures: the vimana (sanctum), the jagamohana (assembly hall), the nata-mandira (festival hall), and the bhoga-mandapa (offering hall).

Jagannath Puri temple is called ‘Yamanika Tirtha’ where, according to Hindu beliefs, the power of ‘Yama’, the god of death, has been nullified in Puri due to the presence of Lord Jagannath.

By understanding the deep historical roots and the elaborate traditions associated with Shri Jagannath Temple Puri, one can truly appreciate the cultural and spiritual significance of this iconic Indian landmark.






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Location: India

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