Facts about Annual Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri

Puri Rath Yatra 

Jagannath Rath Yatra is a splendid Hindu Festival, celebrated every year in Puri and all over India-World. Around 108 cities of all over World celebrates Rath Yatra every year. Previously Rath Yatra was celebrated in Puri itself and this custom was started around 10-11^th century. But after ISKON Hare Krishna movement started in 1968 and by the mercy of Lord Jagannath and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, his divine grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada successfully transplanted this festival to all over world.

Rath Yatra celebrated in view of journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Subhadra to their aunt’s house for nine days and again they returned. Return journey is known as Bahuda Yatra. Lord Jagannath travels to Gundicha Temple, which is around 3 km from Main Temple of Puri via Mausi Maa temple.

As per old mentions, Devi Gundicha built a beautiful temple in fond of Lord Jagannath. Lord jagannath became delighted after seeing that beautiful temple and he promised her aunty to visit to her house. That journey are now celebrated as Rath Yatra. In between journey, Chariots stopped at Mausi Maa temple, were Lord Jagannath offered his favourite Podda Pitha, a local dish of Odisha.

Descriptions of Rath Yatra is also found in Puranas. Every year Rath yatra celebrated on Ashada Shukla Paksha Dwitiya.

Chariots of Lord jagannath, Lord Balaram and Subhadra are made up of special wood called Phassi and Dhausa, which are traditionally transported in Mahanadi river up to Puri and then by road up to Bada Danda, the main place, where construction works takes place. Chariots are made by special carpenters, who has their heritage and culture right on such works. Various types of cloths are used to decorate the chariots of Lord Jagannath and his siblings.

Lord Jagannath chariot is of 45 feet eight, same square feet size, consist 16 wheels and each wheel is of 7 foot dia. The name of Lord jagnannath chariot is Nanghosa and it is beautifully decorated from red and yellow cloths.

Lord Balaram chariot is of 44 feet height, consist 14 wheels, each wheel diameter is around 7 foot. Chariots beautifully decorated from red and blue cloths and chariot known as Taladhwaja.

Devi Subhadra chariot is of 43 feel height, consist 12 wheels, each of 7 foot diameter. Chariots are beautifully decorated from red and black cloths and chariot known as Darpadalana.

After completion of 9 days, Lord Jagannath with his siblings returns to their temple and deities are attires with gold ornaments at chariots that is known as Suna Besha. This custom started from 1460, by king Kapilendra Deb, when he donated golds to Lord Jagannath, after return from a war. A total of 208 kg gold ornaments are attires to Lord Jagannath and his siblings during Suna Besha.

Lord Jagannath has divine powers, people use to come from entire world to grant their wishes. If still you are wishing to visit to Lord Jagannath then plan immediately and reach to Puri. Take a holy dip in Puri sea, and reach to Main Temple. God will surely award you lots of happiness and joys. Say proudly !!! Jay Jagannath