Every year, the vibrant city of Puri in Odisha comes alive with one of India’s most revered and eagerly awaited festivals — the Jagannath Rath Yatra. This year, the celebration begins on June 27 and continues until July 8, drawing devotees from around the world who come to witness the spectacular procession of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra.
A Journey of Faith and Tradition
On the day of Rath Yatra, the three deities leave the main Jagannath Temple, seated on massive, ornately decorated chariots, and travel to the nearby Gundicha Temple. This 12-day pilgrimage is filled with rich rituals and symbolic meanings, each day carrying special significance for devotees and locals alike.
According to Bhopal-based astrologer and vastu expert Pandit Hitendra Kumar Sharma, this year’s festival coincides with auspicious celestial timings. The Rath Yatra starts on the second day (Dwitiya) of the bright fortnight in the month of Ashadha (June 27), with the divine procession commencing precisely during the ‘Abhijit Muhurat’—a highly favorable period between 11:56 AM and 12:52 PM.
The King’s Humble Service: ‘Chera Pahanra’ Ritual
The festival’s opening day is marked by a touching tradition called ‘Chera Pahanra,’ where the King of Puri personally sweeps the area beneath the chariots with a golden broom. This gesture of humility and devotion symbolizes the ruler’s service to the gods and reflects the festival’s spirit of equality and reverence.
On the day known as ‘Hera Panchami,’ Goddess Lakshmi visits the Gundicha Temple to express her displeasure at being left behind, adding a dramatic and emotional layer to the festivities.
The Chariots and Their Named Ropes: A Lesser-Known Tradition
While many are familiar with the grandeur of the chariots, fewer know that the massive ropes used to pull these vehicles carry their own sacred names, each deeply symbolic.
-
Jagannath’s chariot, called “Nandighosha,” has 16 wheels. The rope used here is known as the Shankhachuda Nadi.
-
Balabhadra’s chariot, “Taladhwaja,” rolls on 14 wheels, and its pulling rope is named Basuki.
-
Subhadra’s chariot, “Darpadalan,” with 12 wheels, uses the Swarnachuda Nadi rope.
Devotees consider touching these ropes a profound blessing, believed to bring spiritual merit and good fortune.
Who Can Pull the Chariot?
One of the most inspiring aspects of the Rath Yatra is its inclusivity. Regardless of religion, caste, or nationality, anyone with a sincere heart can participate in pulling the chariot ropes. This act is seen as a path to liberation from the cycle of life and death, leading towards moksha (spiritual emancipation).
To ensure everyone has a chance, no single person pulls the chariot for too long. Even those unable to physically pull the ropes can still gain immense spiritual benefit simply by joining the festival in devotion.
Origins of the Rath Yatra
The festival’s roots trace back to the Skanda Purana, where it is said that Subhadra expressed a wish to see the city. To fulfill this, Jagannath and Balabhadra placed her on a chariot and took her on a procession through the town, visiting their aunt Gundicha’s house and staying there for seven days. This tradition of traveling from the main temple to Gundicha Temple continues to this day, preserving the divine family’s journey in the hearts of millions.
The Grand Chariots: Size, Craftsmanship, and Symbolism
Each of the three chariots is uniquely built, reflecting the stature of the deities they carry:
-
Nandighosha (Jagannath’s chariot): Towering 45 feet tall with 16 wheels
-
Taladhwaja (Balabhadra’s chariot): 43 feet tall with 14 wheels
-
Darpadalan (Subhadra’s chariot): 42 feet tall with 12 wheels
Constructed annually from special wood, these chariots are masterpieces of traditional craftsmanship. They are pulled by devotees using thick ropes from the main Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, symbolizing the pull of divine blessings into their lives.
The Mystery Within: Lord Jagannath’s Idol and Its Sacred Heart
A fascinating legend surrounds the idol of Lord Jagannath. It is believed that the heart of Lord Krishna, which remained intact even after his earthly departure, was found in the form of a sacred piece of wood on the shores of the Bay of Bengal. King Indradyumna of Odisha, guided by a divine dream, had this wood installed inside the wooden idol of Jagannath. This sacred piece remains hidden inside the idol to this day, adding a layer of mystique to the deity’s divine presence.
The Ritual of Renewal: The ‘Navakalevara’ Ceremony
Every 12 years, the wooden idols of the deities are replaced in a solemn ritual called Navakalevara (new embodiment). While the external idols are renewed, the sacred wooden heart inside is never changed. During this ceremony, the entire city observes a blackout to preserve the sanctity of the moment. Priests perform the replacement blindfolded and with covered hands, as tradition warns that seeing the inner sacred wood foretells imminent death.
As Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 unfolds, it continues to inspire millions, offering a powerful blend of devotion, cultural heritage, and timeless spirituality. For those fortunate enough to witness or participate, it’s not just a festival — it’s a journey of faith, unity, and profound blessings.