Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: Date, Significance & Stories

Jagannath Rath Yatra, the annual trip of the Lord Jagannath, Lord Balbhadra, and Goddess Shubhadra (The Divine Sibling Trio). As the procession for this celebration begins, let us know all about it!

Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: Date and Time

• Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 Date: Friday, June 27, 2025 
• Dwitiya Tithi Starts: 01:24 PM on Jun 26, 2025
• Dwitiya Tithi Ends: 11:19 AM on Jun 27, 2025

Who Is Lord Jagannath?

Lord Jagannath, meaning “Lord of the Universe,” is a revered form of Lord Krishna or Vishnu. He is uniquely worshipped alongside his elder brother, Lord Balram (Balabhadra), and his sister, Goddess Subhadra. This divine trio, often seen on chariots during the Rath Yatra, symbolises universal harmony and brotherhood.

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: Nine-Day Festival Schedule

Jagannath Rath Yatra: Knowing The Significance

The Jagannath Rath Yatra, also known as the Chariot Festival, is a very important and sacred event in Puri, Odisha. It’s a grand procession where Lord Jagannath, along with his brother Lord Balabhadra and sister Goddess Subhadra, are brought out from their main Jagannath Temple.

They travel in three huge, handcrafted wooden chariots to the Gundicha Temple. What makes this festival so unique is that it’s the only time these holy statues leave their temple for everyone to see.

This yearly trip to their aunt’s temple, the Gundicha Temple, is a powerful symbol. It shows life’s journey towards freedom and how deeply connected people are to the divine. The Rath Yatra highlights that the gods are not just inside the temple but come out to bless all their devotees.

Also Read: Five Most Sacred Temples In North India For Pilgrimage

Stories About the Jagannath Rath Yatra

The Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha, is more than a festival; it’s a living tradition woven with ancient myths. These stories explain the unique forms of the deities and the Yatra’s significance, drawing millions.

• The Incomplete Idols of Lord Jagannath

One key story tells of Lord Krishna’s cremation. His body didn’t burn completely, and his heart, still alive, floated to Puri. King Indradyumna found it and wanted to build a temple.

Lord Vishwakarma, the divine architect, agreed to carve the idols but vanished when disturbed. This left the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra in their distinct, unfinished wooden forms.

• The Journey to Aunt’s Home: Gundicha Temple

The Rath Yatra symbolises Lord Jagannath’s annual visit to the Gundicha Temple, considered his aunt’s home. This short journey highlights the deities’ desire to interact with their devotees, showing their accessibility and love.

It also represents a period of rejuvenation for the deities, before they return to their main temple. This yatra deepens the spiritual experience, connecting devotees to a rich, ancient heritage.

Understanding the Traditions of Jagannath Rath Yatra

The Jagannath Rath Yatra is a grand celebration that goes on for 9 days. During these 9 days of the festival, different rituals are practised. Let us know about rituals of Jagannath Rath Yatra significance in detail!

• Cart Construction and Decoration: Months before the festival, the carts are constructed using wood and decorated with bright colours, cloth, and traditional patterns.
• Snana Purnima: Before the Rath Yatra, the divines are bathed in 108 earthen pots of water containing fragrant herbs and flowers, signifying purification and healing.
• Gundicha Temple Journey: On the day of the Rath Yatra, the deities are carried from their Main Temple to their respective chariots in a grand procession called Pahandi.
• Rath Yatra Procession: Thousands of devotees pull the massive chariots with thick ropes, singing devotional songs and delighted with the presence of the divine.
• Mausi Maa Ritual: During the journey to the Gundicha Temple, the deities stop at the Mausi Maa Temple to seek blessings from their aunt. It symbolises familial bonds and respect for elders.
• Return Journey: After spending a few days at the Gundicha Temple, the deities return to their main temple in a procession known as Bahuda Yatra.
• Suna Besha: After the return from the Jagannath Rath Yatra, the deities are dressed up with golden ornaments, symbolising their royal and divine glory.
• Niladri Bije: The festival concludes with the Niladri Bije ritual, where Lord Jagannatha re-enters the temple amidst rituals and festivities, marking the end of the grand Rath Yatra.

Also Read: Hariyali Amavasya: Get Blessings of Lord Shiva in This Muhurat

Frequently Asked Questions 

Also Read: Amazing Facts About Jagannath Temple Puri