Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2024:- The Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra, one of the most revered festivals in Hinduism, is set to captivate devotees worldwide in 2024. This grand chariot festival, held in the coastal town of Puri in Odisha, celebrates the journey of Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple.
Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra
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The Puri Rath Yatra 2024, commencing on July 7th during the Dwitiya Tithi of Ashadha, holds profound significance in Hindu culture. This annual festival in Puri, Odisha, celebrates the journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra from the Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple. It symbolizes their familial visit and spiritual rejuvenation. The chariot procession, where devotees pull ornate chariots through Puri’s streets, signifies unity and devotion. Rooted in mythological lore, Rath Yatra underscores the cyclical nature of divine journeys and attracts millions seeking spiritual cleansing and fulfillment. It stands as a vibrant testament to India’s rich cultural heritage and universal values of harmony and faith.
Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra Overview 2024
| Article For | Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra |
| Date | July 7 2024 |
| Dwitiya Tithi Timing | July 7, 4:26 AM – July 8, 4:59 AM |
| Location | Puri, Odisha, India |
| Category | Trending |
| Main Deities | Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Goddess Subhadra |
| Significance | Commemorates annual journey of deities from Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple |
| Starts At | Jagannath Temple, Puri |
| Key Rituals | Placing idols on chariots, procession through Puri’s streets, stay at Gundicha Temple, Bahuda Yatra (return procession) |
Puri Rath Yatra Date & Tithi 2024
The Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri is celebrated on the second day of Shukla Paksha in the Ashadh month. Lord Jagannath, also known as Srihari, is a primary incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and the Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024 symbolizes peace, harmony, and fraternity.
Every year, thousands of pilgrims, tourists, and devotees flock to Puri, Odisha, to participate in the Rath Yatra and enhance their good fortune by pulling the chariots. It is believed that those who take part in the Rath Yatra experience immense joy and success.
Key timings for the event are as follows:
- Sunrise: July 7, 5:51 AM
- Sunset: July 7, 7:12 PM
- Dwitiya Tithi Timing: July 7, 4:26 AM – July 8, 4:59 AM
The grand Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in 2024 will span two days, on July 7 and 8. This year is particularly special as, for the first time in 53 years, the Rath Yatra, Netra Utsav, and Nabajaubana Darshan will all coincide on July 7, accompanied by a celestial event. The deities will be brought to the Shree Gundicha Temple on July 8.
What is Rath Yatra Festival?
The Rath Yatra festival, also known as the Chariot Festival, is a vibrant and deeply significant Hindu celebration primarily observed in the city of Puri, Odisha, India. It commemorates the annual journey of Lord Jagannath and his siblings, Balabhadra and Subhadra, from their abode in the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, approximately 2 kilometers away.
During Rath Yatra, the idols of the deities are placed on ornately decorated chariots, which are then pulled by thousands of devotees through the streets of Puri. This chariot procession is considered an act of profound devotion, as participants believe that pulling the chariots cleanses them of sins and brings them closer to the divine.
Story Behind the Rath Yatra
The story of the Rath Yatra dates back to ancient times. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Krishna, along with his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra, travels in three massive chariots to their aunt’s temple, Gundicha Temple, located two miles from the main Jagannath Temple. The journey commemorates the annual visit of the deities to honor their aunt.
The construction of the chariots, known as ‘Rathas,’ is a spectacular feat. Each chariot is made anew every year from specific types of wood. The chariot of Lord Jagannath, called Nandighosa, has 18 wheels and is 45 feet high. Lord Balabhadra’s chariot, Taladhwaja, has 16 wheels and stands 44 feet high, while Goddess Subhadra’s chariot, Darpadalana, has 14 wheels and is 43 feet high.
Meaning and Significance of Puri Rath Yatra
The Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra holds profound spiritual significance. “Jagannath” translates to “Lord of the Universe,” and the festival symbolizes the Lord’s desire to visit his devotees and grant them his blessings. The Yatra represents the journey of life and the importance of community and unity. Devotees believe that participating in or even witnessing the Rath Yatra can cleanse sins and pave the way for salvation.
Puri Rath Yatra Rituals
The Puri Rath Yatra, also known as “Ratha Prathistha,” begins with special prayers and customs to invoke the gods. The three principal deities—Subhadra, Lord Jagannath, and Balabhadra—are then seated in their separate chariots. These elaborately adorned chariots, referred to as “Badadanda,” are drawn through the streets of Puri. The most thrilling aspect of the ceremony is “Ratha Tana,” or the pulling of the chariots. Devout people from across the nation gather with a sincere desire to pull the Lord’s chariot, a highly revered act.
As the colorful procession moves forward to the tune of religious melodies played on tambourines, trumpets, and drums, devotees fill the streets of Puri, hoping to catch a glimpse of their lords. The procession eventually reaches the Gundicha Temple, believed to be the residence of Lord Jagannath’s aunt.
How is Rath yatra Celebrated?
The Rath Yatra is a grand festival deeply rooted in India’s rich cultural heritage. The nine-day celebration begins on Akshaya Tritiya with the construction of the chariots. The wood for these chariots is sourced from the Daspalla forest and can only be crafted by Srimandir’s carpenters. During the festival, large chariots are drawn through the streets, symbolizing the annual journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and their sister Subhadra to the Gundicha Temple, their aunt’s shrine, in Puri, Odisha. It is believed that during the celebration, Lord Jagannath takes a seven-day slumber before beginning his return trip.
The Rath Yatra stands out as a unique event. Devotees travel from far and wide to witness the grandeur of the occasion and to celebrate their ancestry and culture.
Where is Rath Yatra Celebrated?
Rath Yatra, or the Chariot Festival, is predominantly celebrated in the city of Puri, located in the state of Odisha, India. The festivities commence at the Jagannath Temple in Puri, where the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are ceremonially placed on elaborately decorated chariots. These chariots are then pulled through the streets of Puri in a grand procession, culminating at the Gundicha Temple.
At Gundicha Temple, the deities reside for nine days as part of the celebrations before returning to the Jagannath Temple in a return procession known as Bahuda Yatra. While Puri is the focal point of Rath Yatra, similar celebrations honoring Lord Jagannath are also observed in various other regions of India and across the globe by devout followers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Rath Yatra stands as a vibrant testament to devotion and cultural heritage, centered in Puri, Odisha. This annual festival not only commemorates the journey of Lord Jagannath and his siblings but also unites millions in celebration and spiritual rejuvenation. Beyond Puri, Rath Yatra’s observance globally underscores its universal appeal and significance in spreading the message of unity and faith. It continues to inspire and connect people of diverse backgrounds, fostering a shared reverence for Lord Jagannath worldwide.
FAQ’s
What is the significance of Jagannath Puri Yatra?
The Jagannatha Rath Yatra carries profound religious significance in Hinduism, celebrated with magnificent splendor in Puri, Odisha. Every year, countless devotees flock to Puri to witness Lord Jagannatha, Lord Balbhadra, and their sister Subhadra during this revered festival.
What is the Tithi of Rath Yatra?
The Rath Yatra is scheduled to be celebrated on the Dwitiya Tithi during Shukla Paksha of the Ashada month. The Dwitiya Tithi will commence at 04:26 AM on July 07, 2024, and conclude at 04:59 AM on July 08, 2024.
What is Jagannatha Rath Yatra?
Jagannatha Rath Yatra, also known as the Chariot Festival, is a prominent Hindu festival that commemorates the annual journey of Lord Jagannatha, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple in Puri, Odisha.
Where is Rath Yatra celebrated besides Puri?
While Puri hosts the most famous Rath Yatra, similar celebrations honoring Lord Jagannatha are observed in various parts of India and globally by devotees of the deity.
When is Jagannatha Rath Yatra celebrated?
Jagannatha Rath Yatra is celebrated on the Dwitiya Tithi during Shukla Paksha of the Ashada month, typically falling in June or July according to the Gregorian calendar.
How long is Puri Rath Yatra?
The distance from Puri to the Gundicha Temple is approximately 3 km, but due to the large crowds, the Puri Rath Yatra procession takes several hours to reach its destination. Upon arrival, the deities stay at the Gundicha Temple for nine days, during which pilgrims have the opportunity to receive darshan (sacred viewing). The return journey to Puri follows the same ceremonial route and process.
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