Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra begins
One of the biggest festivals of India, Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra for Lord Jagannath was commenced on July 12, 2021
About Jagannath Puri Yatra
- Jagannath Puri Yatra is held at one of the Char Dhams called Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha.
- This festival is the most famous Vaishnavite rituals observed in India and abroad.
- On the occasion, devotees pray to three deities – Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Lordess Subhadra.
- For this festival, special chariots are built each year.
- Similar processions or rath yatras are organized at Jagannath temples across the world.
- During festive public procession of Jagannath devotees visit Puri to see Lord Jagannath in chariot.
How this yatra begins?
Images of all the three deities is ceremoniously brought out of inner sanctum (Garbhagriha) from the chief temple in Jagannath Puri. They are placed in a chariot which is then pulled by volunteers from Jagannath puri temple to Gundicha Temple.
Jagannath Temple
This important Hindu temple is dedicated to Jagannath who is a form of Lord Vishnu. Temple is located in Puri, Odisha. The present temple was rebuilt from 10th century onwards. Earlier temple was built by Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva in 12th century CE, who was the first king of Eastern Ganga dynasty, at the same site. The temple is one of the Char Dham.
About Deities
The three images of Jagannath are made up of neem wood, unlike stone and metal icons found in most Hindu temples. These images are ceremoniously replaced every twelve or 19 years with an exact replica.
Related Posts
Month: Current Affairs - July, 2021