Jagannath Rath Yatra
🗓️ Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya (Jun–Jul)
The story behind Jagannath Rath Yatra
Rath Yatra falls on Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya, when Bhagwan Jagannath, his elder brother Balabhadra and their sister Devi Subhadra leave the temple at Puri on three great wooden chariots and travel to the Gundicha temple, returning nine days later. The chariots are rebuilt from new wood each year and are drawn by the hands of the crowd. The yatra's meaning is in the direction of movement: the deity leaves the sanctum and comes out to the road, where anyone at all may take darshan without entering a temple.
Jagannath Rath Yatra Puja Vidhi
- 1
Snana & Smarana
Bathe in the morning and recall the yatra — the Snana Purnima that precedes it, and the deities' return as Bahuda Yatra nine days later.
- 2
Jagannath Puja
Worship Bhagwan Jagannath, Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra with tulsi, yellow flowers and a lit deep; a picture or small murti serves where no temple is near.
- 3
Rath Seva
Where a yatra is held, join in drawing the chariot or in the cleaning of its path — traditionally regarded as service rather than spectacle.
- 4
Naivedya & Prasad
Offer khichdi, poda pitha or seasonal fruit as naivedya, then distribute it; Jagannath prasad is shared without distinction of who receives it.
Jagannath Rath Yatra Mantra
जगन्नाथः स्वामी नयनपथगामी भवतु मे॥
Meaning
May Bhagwan Jagannath, the lord of the universe, come into the path of my eyes — the refrain of the Jagannath Ashtakam.
How to chant
Recited during the darshan of the chariots, or before the murti at home.