Lord Jagannath is the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Therefore, devotees excitedly wait for Jagannath Rath Yatra to appease Lord Vishnu. Lord Jagannath is worshipped as Lord Krishna, Narsimha and Lord Vishnu across the country. Every year, during the Rath Yatra celebration, devotees perform puja and take part in the celebration to attain the blessings of Lord Vishnu. Pilgrims from across the globe reach Orissa where the iconic Rath Yatra takes place. It is believed that taking part in the celebratory Rath Yatra offers salvation.
Wondering when this procession is going to happen this year? Keep on reading to find every detail about Jagannath Rath Yatra 2023.
What is the Importance of Jagannath Puri Temple?
The Jagannath Puri Temple is one of the most important and revered temples in India. Here are some of the reasons why it holds such great importance:
Spiritual Significance: The temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who is believed to be the Lord of the Universe. It is believed that a visit to the temple and offering prayers to Lord Jagannath can bring peace, prosperity, and spiritual upliftment.
Rath Yatra: The annual Rath Yatra festival celebrated in Puri is one of the biggest festivals in India. It is a grand procession of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra on huge chariots from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple and back. Millions of devotees from around the world come to witness the Rath Yatra and seek blessings from Lord Jagannath.
Mahaprasad: The Jagannath Puri Temple is famous for its Mahaprasad, which is considered sacred and is offered to the deities before being distributed to devotees. The Mahaprasad is prepared in the temple kitchen, which is considered the largest kitchen in the world.
Architectural Significance: The Jagannath Puri Temple is a fine example of Kalinga architecture and is known for its intricate carvings and sculptures. The temple's 65-metre-high spire is visible from a distance and is a popular landmark in Puri.
Overall, the Jagannath Puri Temple holds great importance for Hindus and is an important pilgrimage site in India. The temple's spiritual, historical, cultural, and architectural significance makes it a unique and special place for devotees and tourists alike.
What is the Reason Behind Rath Yatra?
Rath Yatra is a chariot pilgrimage, in which Lord Jagannath is honoured. During this procession, deities take a journey from their abode to a particular place and devotees take the opportunity to get a glimpse of the Lord and seek blessings.
It is believed that the Yatra is a journey of Lord Jagannath visiting the maternal aunt’s place with the siblings. This is an ancient tradition and is still followed with great pomp and show across the country.
When was Jagannath Born?
According to Hindu mythology, it is widely accepted that Lord Jagannath is the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The origin of Lord Jagannath is placed in the 2nd millennium BCE.
Which State is Famous for Rath Yatra?
Although Jagannath Yatra processions are celebrated all across the country, global recognition is attained by the Rath Yatra at Puri. Located in Orissa, Puri becomes the focal point for millions of devotees every year. The unity, faith, and devotion of millions of pilgrims in Puri, Orissa is a sight to behold during the procession.
Which is the Biggest Rath in India?
The Rath Yatra of Puri, Orissa is the biggest in the country. The chariots used in the Yatra are more than 45 feet tall with 16 wheels. The Yatra takes the idols of three deities and the huge chariots are pulled through the streets of Puri by millions of pilgrims.
Who are the Three Gods in Rath Yatra?
The remarkable festival begins by placing three idols on huge chariots. The procession features three deities which are Lord Jagannath and his siblings Goddess Subhadra and Lord Balbhadra.
When does Jagannath Rath Yatra Start?
Devotees of Lord Vishnu wait all year long to witness the celebration of oneness and faith during the Rath Yatra. Therefore, it is important to make plans and schedules to not miss the memorable moment. According to Hindu calendar, Rath Yatra is celebrated on the second day of Ashadha month. This year, the Rath Yatra will take place on 20 June. Puri Rath Yatra timing is determined by the beginning of the Dwitiya tithi which starts at 22:04. If you like to perform Jagannath puja, it is best to consult a Vedic priest to find out the exact Rath Yatra 2023 Date and Time. Alternatively, you can watch Jagannath Rath Yatra live and let a priest perform the puja on your behalf.
Why there is No Hand in Jagannath Temple?
Lord Jagannath has hands but no palms and wrists. According to Hindu mythology, the story of Lord Rama describes that when Lord Rama hid behind a tree to kill Bali, he was given the power of a boon in retaliation. So, Bali asked that may both the palms of Lord Rama vanish. In return, Lord Rama agreed that the boon will come true with the incarnation of Kaliyuga. Hence, there are no hands in the idol of Lord Jagannath.
What is the Importance of the Jagannath Rath Yatra?
Rath Yatra is celebrated every year as a symbol of faith and devotee. In Orissa, it is a depiction of rich cultural heritage. The chariots are made every year by skilled carpenters and pilgrims and tourists from across the globe come to witness the unique encounters. Hence, the festival is not just important from a religious viewpoint but also promotes unity and harmony among different communities and cultural diversity.
Chanting the sacred Jagannath puja mantra is a powerful spiritual practice to be performed in the month of Ashadha. It helps devotees to establish a deeper connection with Lord Vishnu and seek their blessings. If you are not sure about Jagannath puja vidhi but want to perform the rituals as per Vedic customs, then you can also book a pandit at Pujarambh. Our experienced pandits can perform the puja on your behalf and you can seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu to lead a fulfilling and prosperous life.
How many Days Rath Yatra is Celebrated?
The festival of chariots is a major Hindu festival that is celebrated over a period of nine days. The chariots are pulled across the streets to cover the distance of 2 miles and reach the Gundhicha temple.
What is the Date of Return Rath Yatra?
The chariots return to the abode of idols on the 10th day of the Ashadha month. According to the Hindu calendar, the return rath yatra 2023 tithi falls on 28th June. On this date, the chariots follow the same route but in reverse order to complete the journey to the Jagannath Temple.
What is Bahuda Yatra or Ulto Rath?
Bahuda Yatra is an important festival in the Hindu religion that takes place on the tenth day of the Jagannath Rath Yatra, which is an annual festival dedicated to Lord Jagannath (a form of Lord Vishnu), his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra. The festival is celebrated mainly in the state of Odisha, India.
Bahuda Yatra marks the return journey of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra from the Gundicha Temple, where they stay for nine days during the Rath Yatra festival. The deities are carried in a procession on three chariots known as Nandighosha (for Lord Jagannath), Taladhwaja (for Lord Balabhadra), and Darpadalan (for Goddess Subhadra).
The procession starts from the Gundicha Temple and moves towards the Shri Jagannath Temple, which is their permanent abode. The chariots are pulled by devotees who believe that pulling the chariots will bring them good fortune.
Bahuda Yatra is a significant festival for devotees of Lord Jagannath and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion. It is believed that those who witness the procession and offer their prayers to the deities will receive blessings and good fortune from Lord Jagannath.
How to Get the Blessings of Lord Jagannath without Visiting Puri?
Millions of pilgrims arrive at Puri before the festival to seek the blessings of Lord Jagannath. Tourists make reservations months before the date to witness the great pomp and show. Don’t get disheartened if you cannot visit Orissa this year. You can still appease Lord Jagannath with the help of experienced Vedic pandits at Pujarambh.
Booking a pandit via Pujaramabh is extremely beneficial. It is a convenient, time-saving and affordable way to get the blessings of Lord Vishnu. Moreover, devotees don’t even have to arrange the Jagannath Rath Yatra Puja Samagri. Our priests will take care of everything and depending on your preferences, they can perform puja on your behalf.
Connect with Pujarambh and select the Rath Yatra puja package to get blessings and live a fulfilling life.
