Jagannath Rath Yatra

History

The Jagannath Rath Yatra officially began in Puri, Odisha on June 20, 2023 and will conclude on June 28, 2023.

An annual Hindu festival celebrating the journey of
- Lord Jagannath
- Lord Balabhadra (elder brother)
- Goddess Subhadra (younger sister)
- The deities travel from the main Jagannath Temple in Puri to their aunt’s temple in Gundicha, about 3 km away.
Legend Behind the Festival
- Goddess Subhadra once wished to visit her aunt's house in Gundicha.
- To fulfill her wish, Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra accompanied her on a chariot ride.
- This event is commemorated each year through the Rath Yatra.
Historical Significance
- The tradition dates back to the 12th century CE, during the reign of King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva.
- Some sources indicate the festival may have even older origins
Festival Highlights
- Also known as the Festival of Chariots.
- The deities are placed on three large wooden chariots, pulled by devotees using ropes.
- The Yatra starts on the second day of the bright fortnight of the month of Ashadha (June–July).
- The festival continues for nine days.

Jagannath Puri Temple is one of the most prominent religious monuments in Odisha.
Also known as the "White Pagoda", it is part of the Char Dham pilgrimage (Badrinath, Dwaraka, Puri, Rameswaram).
Built in Kalinga architectural style, known for
- Curved towers (shikharas)
- Detailed carvings
- Decorative sculptures
Temple Structure
- Enclosed by a high boundary wall with four gates, each facing a cardinal direction.
- The main temple includes four main structures
  - Vimana – Sanctum (inner shrine)
  - Jagamohana – Assembly hall
  - Nata-mandira – Festival or dancing hall
  - Bhoga-mandapa – Offering hall
Religious Significance
- Known as ‘Yamanika Tirtha’ in Hindu belief.
- It is said that in Puri, the power of Yama, the god of death, is nullified due to the presence of Lord Jagannath.
Nabakalebara
- Nabakalebara, meaning “new body,” is a sacred ritual in Puri, Odisha, where the wooden idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra, and Sudarshana are replaced with new ones.
- This ritual takes place once every 12 or 19 years, depending on the lunar calendar, specifically when two Asadha months fall in a single year.

Q. The Jagannath Rath Yatra, also known as the Festival of Chariots, commemorates the journey of Lord Jagannath and his siblings to which temple?

(1) Lingaraj Temple
(2) Konark Sun Temple
(3) Gundicha Temple
(4) Kamakhya Temple

Answer: (3) Gundicha Temple