Puri Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath

27 Jun 2025

Why in the News?

The annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath at Puri, Odisha, has begun today.

About: Rath Yatra is an annual Hindu chariot festival celebrated in Puri, Odisha, in honour of Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu.
Legend: The festival commemorates the journey of Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, their birthplace.
Occurrence: It is held on the second day of Ashadha Shukla Paksha (June–July), according to the Odia calendar.
Procession: The deities are placed in three massive wooden chariots and pulled by devotees along the Grand Road (Bada Danda) for about 3 km.
Significance: It is one of the four sacred pilgrimages (Char Dham) in Hinduism and allows non-Hindus to have darshan of the deities, unlike entry to the temple.

Pahandi Bije: The ceremonial procession where the deities are carried from the temple to the chariots.
Chhera Panhara: A ritual where the Puri King sweeps the chariots with a golden broom, signifying humility and equality.
Three Chariot Pulling: Devotees pull the chariots—Nandighosa (Jagannath), Taladhwaja (Balabhadra), and Darpadalan (Subhadra)—toward Gundicha Temple.
Bahuda Yatra: The return journey to the Jagannath Temple, held on the 10th day of Ashadha Shukla Paksha.
Poda Pitha Offering: The deities are offered traditional cakes at Mausimaa Temple during their return.
Suna Besha: On return, the deities are adorned with gold ornaments on their chariots.
Niladri Bije: Final ritual where the deities re-enter the sanctum; marks the end of the Rath Yatra.
Rasagola Divas: Devotees offer Rasagola sweets to Goddess Lakshmi to appease her for not being included in the journey.

The Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, is a major Vaishnavite shrine dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Sri Krishna.
The current structure was rebuilt starting in the 10th century by Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga dynasty.
The temple showcases the Oriya style of architecture, known for sculptural richness and graceful forms.
It spans over 400,000 sq. ft., enclosed by the 20-foot-high Meghanada Pacheri.
An inner wall, called Kurma Bedha, surrounds the main sanctum.
Main Structural Sections:

1. Deula/Vimana/Garba Griha: Sanctum sanctorum housing the deities on the Ratnavedi, built in Rekha Deula style.
2. Mukhashala: The frontal porch.
3. Nata Mandir/Jagamohan: The audience or dancing hall.
4. Bhoga Mandapa: The hall of offerings.

[UPSC 2009] Mahamastakabhisheka, a great religious event, is associated with and done for who of the following?

Options: (a) Bahubali * (b) Buddha (c) Mahavir (d) Nataraja

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