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History & Culture
Pradeep Kumar

12/07/21 09:00 AM IST

Rath Yatra

In news

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has greeted the people on the eve of Rath Yatra.

About Rath Yatra
  • Lord Jagannath's Puri Rath Yatra is one of the most revered and much-awaited festivals for devotees from Odisha and across India. 
  • It symbolizes our plural and inclusive ethos and holds immense spiritual significance for the participants.
  • Truly signifying the name of Lord Jagannath – 'the Lord of Universe', the Yatra is unparalleled in its splendour and grandeur with magnificent 'Rathas' or chariots carrying the deities.
  • As India and the rest of the world are passing through an unprecedented situation due to Covid-19, I appeal to everyone to celebrate Rath Yatra festival with the utmost care by adhering to Covid safety norms.
Festival
  • The Hindu festival celebrates Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra who are revered at the Jagannath Puri shrine. Lord Jagannath is a form of Vishnu.
  • Ratha Yatra commemorates Lord Jagannatha’s annual visit to Gundicha Mata temple.
  • It is said that to honour the devotion of Queen Gundicha, wife of the legendary King Indradyumna who built the Puri Jagannatha temple, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra leave their regular abode in the main temple and spend a few days in this temple.
  • After resting for eight days at Gundicha temple, Lord Jagannath returns to his main abode.
  • This day is known as Bahuda Yatra where he returns and is observed on the eighth day after Ratha Yatra on Dashami Tithi.
  • During Bahuda Yatra, the Lord makes a short stoppage at Mausi Maa temple which is dedicated to Goddess Ardhashini.
Source: Indian Express, PIB

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