Discover Jagannath Puri’s Temple’s Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024 significance, auspicious time, and detailed rituals of this ancient Hindu pilgrimage.
A major Hindu festival, Jagannath Rath Yatra is a magnificent procession that starts at Jagannath Puri’s Temple. During this yatra, Lord Jagannath travels in beautiful chariots with his sister Subhadra and older brother Balram. We explore this year’s yatra date and related customs in this post.
The colorful Rath Yatra starts from the holy premises of the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, every year in the month of Ashadha. Every year hundreds of thousands of followers join in to this traditional ceremony.
Along with Lord Jagannath in this yatra are his sister Subhadra and older brother Balram. Rath Yatra this year will take place from July 7 to July 16 according to the Hindu calendar. Respected as the world’s lord, Lord Jagannath is seen as an avatar of Shri Krishna, who is an avatar of Shri Hari Vishnu. Let us learn the meaning and history of the Yatra of Lord Jagannath.
When is The Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024 is starting?
Vedic calendar indicates that the Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024 will start at 08:05 AM on July 7.
- The voyage sets off at 09:27 a.m.
- It starts up again later at 12:15 PM.
- At 01:37 PM there is a little break.
- At 01:37 PM there is a little break.
- Up until 06:01 PM, that is.
Significance and Historical Essence of Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024
Lord Jagannath’s Yatra has been celebrated for ages. Inspired by a mythological story about Lord Krishna traveling the Rath Yatra with his brother Balram and sister Subhadra, the tradition is believed to have originated in the 12th century. This event marks the beginning of the tradition.
Achieving Salvation by devotion
Throughout the yatra, devotees sing mantras and drum passionately beside the chariot. It is thought that after one dies, salvation is granted by passionately taking part in this Yatra. Believed to cleanse all sins, whether done intentionally or not, the journey enables devotees to start a fresh chapter in their lives.
Rath Yatra 2024 starts on June 29 and ends on July 7 with the return trip, or Bahuda Yatra. Millions of people look forward to these dates and travel great distances to see the magnificent parade and take part in the festivities.
Preparations and Rituals Leading Up to the Yatra
Snana Purnima
Well in advance, preparations for the Rath Yatra begin. A couple of weeks before the Yatra comes Snana Purnima, an important rite. The celebrations officially begin on this day when the gods take a ritual bath using 108 pots of pure water. Following their ritual washing, the idols are kept apart for fifteen days, known as Anasara, during which time they are thought to become sick. Devotees look forward to this stage because the deities are not available for public worship until the Rath Yatra day.
Netrotsava
The Netrotsava rite, sometimes called the “Festival of the Eyes,” takes place the day before the Rath Yatra. The goddesses’ just painted eyes here represent their preparations for the journey. The divine is waking up with this ritual, which recharges both gods and believers.
Chhera Pahara Ritual
A high point of the Rath Yatra is the Chhera Pahara ritual, carried out by the King of Puri, who is considered the Lord’s principal servant. The king, representing equality and respect before God, sprinkles sandalwood water and washes the chariots with a golden-handled broom. With this deed, Lord Jagannath shows that, in his eyes, everyone is equal, regardless of social status.
A very fortunate act, thousands of worshipers pull the chariots with long ropes.
The Majestic Chariots
The magnificent wooden chariots used in the Rath Yatra are all individually adorned:
- Lord Jagannath’s Chariot (Nandighosa): The biggest, standing 44 feet tall and with 16 enormous wheels and crimson with yellow canopies.
- Lord Balabhadra’s Chariot (Taladhwaja): A little smaller vehicle with 14 wheels and a 43-foot height, it is covered with crimson and blue canopy.
The smallest, Goddess Subhadra’s Chariot (Darpadalana), is 42 feet tall and has 12 wheels. It is covered with crimson and black canopies.
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FAQs
What is Jagannath Rath Yatra?
The Jagannath Temple at Puri, Odisha, has idols of Lord Jagannath and his siblings Balram and Subhadra ceremoniously transported out in chariots during the grand Hindu festival known as Jagannath Rath Yatra.
When does Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024 start and end?
In 2024, Jagannath Rath Yatra will start on June 29th and conclude with the return journey, Bahuda Yatra, on July 7th.
What are the rituals associated with Jagannath Rath Yatra?
Important rites are Chhera Pahara, when the King of Puri sweeps the chariots, Netrotsava, when gods are painted, and Snana Purnima, when deities are publicly bathed.
What is the historical significance of Jagannath Rath Yatra?
The tradition dates back centuries and is believed to have started in the 12th century, inspired by mythological accounts of Lord Krishna’s Rath Yatra.
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