Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra
The grand chariot festival of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra journeying to the Gundicha Temple in Puri, Odisha.
Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra
Mythological Story
The Rath Yatra commemorates Lord Jagannath's annual visit along with his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra from the main temple (Shree Mandira) to their aunt's house at the Gundicha Temple, traveling on magnificent wooden chariots (Nandighosha, Taladhwaja, and Darpadalana).
Spiritual Significance
Pulling the sacred ropes of Lord Jagannath's chariot is believed to cleanse millions of lifetimes of karma and bestow Moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death).
Puja Vidhi & Celebration
Millions of devotees gather in Puri. The Gajapati King performs the ceremonial Chhera Pahanra (sweeping the chariots with a golden broom), after which thousands joyously pull the towering chariots accompanied by beating drums and conches.