Significance of Jagannatha Rath Yatra: Puri's Jagannath Yatra is one of the most sacred religious pilgrimages in India, which starts every year from the second day of Shukla Paksha of Ashadh month and continues till Dashami Tithi. This time this journey will start on 27th June and end on 5th July. People believe that by participating in this journey and visiting Lord Jagannath, all the sorrows and troubles of life go away and one attains salvation after death.

Before setting out on this journey, Lord Jagannath spends 14 days in seclusion with his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra. After this, on the second day of Shukla Paksha, he gives darshan to the devotees and the Rath Yatra begins. This tradition is considered very important for the devotees, which gives the message of spiritual peace happiness, and prosperity.

When will Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra start?

Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra will start this year on Jyeshtha Purnima i.e. on 11th June. Before this, the Lord will be given a Sahastradhara bath, in which he is bathed with 108 pitchers of water. This bath is a special religious ritual performed before the yatra. After this, the Lord will go on seclusion with his brothers and sisters. This is an important tradition which is associated with the Rath Yatra.

Mythological story
There is a mythological story behind the Jagannath Rath Yatra, which is described in the Padma Purana. It is said that in the month of Ashadh, Lord Jagannath's sister Subhadra expressed her desire to go out and see the city. Then Lord Jagannath built three chariots for his brother Balram and sister Subhadra. The three siblings sat on those chariots and went on a city tour and stayed for seven days at their aunt's house, which is called Gundicha Temple. After this incident, the Rath Yatra started being taken out every year. In this Rath Yatra, Lord Balram's chariot is in the front, sister Subhadra's chariot is in the middle and Lord Jagannath's chariot is at the back.

Beliefs related to Jagannath Rath Yatra
Jagannath Rath Yatra is one of the most ancient and famous religious traditions of India. It is believed that this journey started between the 12th and 16th centuries, but there are many different stories and beliefs about its origin.

According to one belief, this Rath Yatra symbolizes the visit of Lord Krishna to the birthplace of his mother Devaki. It is said that Lord Krishna started this journey in memory of his mother's house, which reflects an important event related to his life.

According to another belief, Jagannath Rath Yatra was started by King Indradyumna. King Indradyumna is considered as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and it is said that he organized this journey so that people could see the grand glory of Lord Jagannath and join his devotion.

In addition, some archaeological and historical sources suggest that this journey was part of the cultural and religious traditions of the local tribes and people of Odisha, which was later officialized by the temple and kings-emperors.

During this yatra, Lord Jagannath, his brother Balarama, and his sister Subhadra are taken around the city in huge and decorated chariots. This yatra is not just a religious festival but also a means of connecting the community, increasing social harmony, and preserving cultural heritage.

During the yatra, devotees pull the chariots of the Lord with their hands, which is associated with the belief that by doing so all their sins are washed away and they get happiness and peace in life. Therefore, this yatra is not just a religious ritual but also a symbol of people's faith, devotion, and cultural identity.

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