Hindus celebrate Rath Yatra annually at the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, to obtain blessings from Lord Jagannath, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. In addition to Lord Jagannath, worshippers also honor Subhadra, his sister, Sudarshana Chakra, Lord Jagannath’s wooden weapon, and Balabhadra, his brother. People in Nepal and Singapore also know and celebrate this festival, and Jainism observes it with participation from Tirthankaras. Ratha Yatra is significant in many other religions around the world. Rath Yatra Puri is renowned around the world with grand celebrations and sacred rituals.
Rath Yatra Puri 2024
Two Sanskrit terms can be found in the word Ratha Yatra. While Yatra refers to a voyage or travel, Ratha is the word for a cart or chariot. Jatra is the term used by devotees to refer to the Odia language. Navadina Yatra, Gundicha Yatra, and Dashavatara Yatra are some other names for it. The vehicle festival of Odisha and Juggernaut is the name given to it in English. On its second day, the Shukla Paksha celebrates the Ratha Yatra celebration. Worshippers of Lord Jagannath gather at the Jagannath Temple in Puri during the month of Asadha to celebrate the Ratha Yatra festival. The Yatra is inaugurated at Puri’s main thoroughfare, Bada Danda.
The Ratha Yatra Puri Story and History
The heavenly bond that Lord Jagannath had with his followers is part of the history of Ratha Yatra Puri. This celebration dates back thousands of years, according to Hindu tradition. The legend surrounding the Rath Yatra Puri mentions Goddess Subhadra, Lord Jagannath’s sister. She expressed a desire to see Puri City made it possible.
Following this, devotees think that Lord Jannath paid a visit to the Gundicha temple together with his sister and brother. They eventually retreated to what is now the Jagannath shrine after spending some time there. It was around the 12th century that King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva constructed this temple. People believe that the Ratha Yatra Puri Festival takes place at this time.
Rath Yatra Puri’s Significance
People eagerly anticipate the start of the Lord Jagannath Ratha Yatra this year. The festivities, customs, and other preparations for this holiday are approaching. Regarding Ratha Yatra Puri’s significance, Lord Jagannath’s divinity and spirituality speak for themselves. The Ratha Yatra is an annual celebration that draws a large crowd of followers of Lord Krishna.
Followers of the religion believe that pulling the chariot ropes grants Lord Jagannath’s blessings and frees one from all sins. Hindu culture places a lot of significance and cultural beliefs on the Jagannath Ratha Yatra Puri. As the Lord of the Universe, Lord Jagannath is well-known.
Date and Time of Rath Yatra
Ratha Yatra on Sunday, July 7, 2024
Dwitiya Tithi Begins – July 07 | 4:26 AM in (India)
Dwitiya Tithi Ends- July 08 | 5:09 AM in (India)
How do the Ratha Yatra stories?
Many devotees follow the Ratha Yatra. They draw the chariot because they think it will bestow upon them the blessings of Lord Jagannath. After that, devotees give Poda Pitha to everyone as prasad. The highlight of this is that the bhaktas of Lord Jagannath perform a performance on the third day of the Ratha Yatra in which Lord Vishnu meets Maa Lakshmi.
The chariot has all three of the idols on it. Devotees bathe the idols using approximately 108 pails of water. Snana Purnima is the name of this kind of event. Devotees maintain the idols in seclusion during the Ansara ceremony prior to the start of the Yatra. Devotees believe that the idols are ill at this time.
Where is Jagannath Puri located?
To witness the spectacular Ratha Yatra Puri festival celebration, there are other more efficient ways to get to Jagannath Puri. Travel by air, car, or train are the three ways to get there.
By Air: Biju Patnaik Airport, which is situated in Puri city, is the closest airport. A total of 650 kilometers are covered by it. To get here from the airport, you can reserve a cab.
Via Train: From many Indian cities, Puri City is reachable via direct train. Puri Railway Station is Puri’s closest train station.
Road: During the Ratha Yatra event, there are bus services designed specifically for this purpose. Other options for arriving include cabs and vehicles.
Conclusion
One thing is evident as the sun sets on yet another day of celebration and devotion in Puri: the Jagannatha Puri Rath Yatra is more than just a festival; it is a spirituality celebration, a voyage of the soul, and an illustration of the enduring strength of faith. The chariots of the gods return to their dwelling at the Jagannatha Temple. Come experience the wonders of the Rath Yatra for yourself by traveling with us on this holy journey. With the intent to awaken your soul and guide you towards enlightenment, the Jagannatha Puri Rath Yatra 2024 is rapidly approaching.
