Bhauni Yatra: A Sacred Observance in the Jagannath Tradition Bhauni Yatra is a lesser-known yet meaningful observance associated with the Jagannath tradition, particularly in the sacred temple culture of Puri. It takes place on the Saptami tithi of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Jyeshta, following the important festival of Chandan Purnima. This period marks a continuation of seasonal rituals connected with devotion, discipline, and temple traditions.  Bhauni Yatra 2027 date is May 27. Ritual Observances and Practices The observance of Bhauni Yatra is centered around temple rituals performed for Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. While it is not as publicly grand as major yatras, it holds significance within the ritual calendar. Devotees often engage in simple fasting or controlled dietary practices, focusing on purity and restraint. Offerings, prayers, and darshan are integral to participation. The rituals during this time reflect continuity from the Chandan Yatra per...

The Sacred Tale of Suvarna Mahalakshmi's Anger During Puri Rath Yatra The Divine Disagreement The Rath Yatra of Puri represents one of the most magnificent celebrations in Hindu tradition, where Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, journeys with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra from the main temple to the Gundicha Temple. This journey symbolizes the Lord's visit to his maternal aunt's residence. However, woven into this grand celebration is a profound tale of divine relationship dynamics that unfolds during Hera Panchami, observed on the fifth day of the bright fortnight in the month of Ashadha. According to ancient tradition, Goddess Lakshmi, the divine consort of Lord Jagannath, becomes deeply upset when she discovers that she has not been invited to accompany the Lord on this sacred journey. Her exclusion from such an important family visit ignites her righteous anger, and she resolves to confront her Lord directly. The Appearance of Suvarna Mahalakshm...

This is a quiz based on the world famous Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra. It will help you to understand the Rath Yatra at Puri in Odisha better. When in doubt you can search for the answers in the blog itself using the search option. Submit Answers

Chariot festivals, known as "Rath Yatra" in Hinduism, are grand and vibrant religious events celebrated across India and other regions where Hinduism is practiced. These festivals involve the procession of deities on beautifully decorated chariots, pulled by devotees through the streets of a town or village. The most famous of these is the Rath Yatra of Jagannath in Puri, Odisha, but similar festivals are observed in many other places. The chariot festivals are rich in symbolism and cultural significance, embodying profound religious themes and social values. Historical and Cultural Context Chariot festivals have been celebrated for centuries, with their origins deeply rooted in the mythologies and scriptures of Hinduism. The most well-known Rath Yatra, that of Lord Jagannath, is documented to have been celebrated since at least the 12th century CE. However, references to chariots in religious processions can be traced back to ancient texts like the Rigveda and Mahabharata, s...

Puri Rath Yatra, the world famous chariot or car festival, at the Puri Jagannath Temple in Odisha, India.  Puri Rath Yatra 2027 date is July 5.  It is celebrated on the second day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon or bright fortnight) Ashadh month as per traditional Oriya Calendar.  On the day of the Ratha Yatra (car festival), chariots (Rath) carrying Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra is pulled to the nearby Gundicha Temple . The return journey of the chariots or Bahuda Jatra is on July 13, 2027. Importance of Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra The Brahma Purana glorifies the importance of Puri Rath Yatra in the following words - Those who are fortunate to see the deities of Srimandira in the Gundicha Temple, the final destination of the procession of the chariots, get the privilege of going to Vishnuloka, the abode of Vishnu or heaven. The concept of chariot in Hinduism of ancient origin. The Katha Upanishad states: The body is the chariot and th...

Devotees of Mahaprabhu Jagannath will miss the Nabayouban Darshan in 2024, as decided by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA). Typically, Nabayouban Darshan and Netra Utsav are observed on two separate days preceding Rath Yatra. However, this year, with Rath Yatra falling on July 7, both Nabayouban Darshan and Netra Utsav are also on the same day—a rare occurrence last seen in 1971 and 1909. Anticipating a large crowd due to this convergence, the SJTA has decided to restrict access to Nabayouban Darshan. Additionally, there will be no Pahandi tickets, and devotees will not be allowed into Srimandir. Devotees can only have darshan of the deities at the Lions Gate (Singha Dwar) when they come out of the sanctum sanctorum in pahandi. Nabayouban Darshan marks the youthful reappearance of the deities after being confined to the Anasara Gruha (quarantine room) following Snana Purnima. During this period, Bhagwan Jagannath, Bhagwan Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra stay indoors d...

Dhamrai Ratha Yatra held at Dhamrai is a popular Jagannath Rath Yatra festival in Bangladesh and is slightly different from the world famous Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra festival held in India. Dhamrai Ratha Yatra 2027 date is July 5. The Rath Yatra at Dhamrai began before 1670s. A single chariot is pulled during the annual Dhamrai Rath Yatra not three as in Puri. As per historical records, the first recorded Rath was constructed using bamboo in the 1670s. This Ratha was replaced with one made of wood. In the subsequent centuries, four different chariots were made. In 1933 CE, a three-storied chariot was made. It was 60 feet in height and 45 feet in width and represented a Nabaratna temple. But this magnificent chariot was burned down in 1971 by the Pakistani Army as part of the ethnic cleansing which the Pakistan Army unleashed on Bangladesh Hindus. Bamboo chariots were used after this brutal incident for the next several decades. The present 3-storied Rath was built in 2010 with the h...

Suna Besha ritual is the appearance of Lord Jagannath in a new dress on the chariot on the last day of the Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra. In 2027, the date of Suna Besha is July 14. After the end of Bahuda Yatra (the return journey) on the ninth day of the Puri Rath Yatra, the chariots of the three deities are stationed outside the Puri Jagannath Temple . On the next day, Lord Jagannath will give darshan to devotees in a new dress with gold ornaments sitting on the Ratha outside the temple. History And Origin Of Suna Besha This besha commemorates the time when King Kapilendra Deva returned victorious from war. He donated tons of gold to the temple and requested that Bhagavan Jagannath wear it. Since then, Mahaprabhu appears as Raja Rajeshwara - covered head to toe in gold ornaments. Hands, feet, crown, earrings, shankha, chakra, hala, musala everything shines with divine gold. It’s the only day devotees see Bhagavan Jagannath as the supreme emperor of the universe.   ...

Hera Panchami is a unique ritual held during the  Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra . It is observed at the  Gundicha   Temple . Hera Panchami 2027 date is July 9. Hera or Hora means to ‘see or look at or behold’ and Panchami means the ‘fifth day’ – on Hera Panchami day  Goddess Lakshmi  travels to the  Gundicha   Temple  to see Lord Jagannath. The visit of Goddess Lakshmi takes place five days after the Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra. Hera Panchami is a domestic affair of the divine couple - Vishnu and Lakshmi. During the Puri Rath Yatra, the chariots (Ratha) carrying Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are pulled from the  Puri   Jagannath   Temple  to the  Gundicha   Temple , here the deities visit their aunt. The popular belief is that Lord Jagannath had promised his wife Goddess Lakshmi that He will return the next day. But Lord Jagannath does not return the next day. Goddess Lakshmi waits and waits and finall...

Rath Yatra is an important ritual in Hinduism and is observed today throughout the world. The most important one is observed at the famous Puri Jagannath Temple . But why do we Hindus celebrate Rath Yatra? Have we ever given a thought to it? The original Rath Yatra is held from the Puri Jagannath Temple in Orissa to the Gundicha Temple . It is believed that the murtis of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra was carved in the Gundicha Temple . It was later moved into the present Puri Jagannath Temple . It is sort of return journey for the deities. During Rath Yatra, the deities come out of the sanctum sanctorum in temples and mingle with devotees. Thus the deities give an opportunity to all devotees to touch and feel their venerated murtis (idols). All people irrespective of caste, creed, sect, and religion and sex distinctions are allowed to pull the Rathas or Chariots. This shows that all are equal before god. All man made barriers are broken. Gods come do...

Today, Jagannath Ratha Yatra is held around the world – the most famous being the one held at Puri in Odisha, India. Devotees find ecstasy in pulling the chariots of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. But have you ever wondered about the origin of Rath Yatra? There is a story regarding the origin of Jagannath Ratha Yatra and it is associated with Radha. Sri Krishna had shifted to Dwarka and had happily settled there with his followers. Years later a Surya Grahan, or Total Solar Eclipse, was to take place. Sri Krishna decided to visit the Panchak Tirth in Kurukshetra and perform Snan (holy bath), Upvas (fasting) and Daan (charity). The news of the arrival of Sri Krishna at Kurukshetra reached the ears of Radha. She along with other residents of Vrindavan decided to visit Kurukshetra and have darshan of Sri Krishna. Radha and the Gopis were emotionally overwhelmed on meeting Krishna. They invited him to visit Vrindavan. Krishna accepted the invitation and sat on his c...

Guptipara Rath Yatra held at Guptipara at Balagarh in West Bengal is a popular Jagannath Rath Yatra festival outside Odisha and is slightly different from the world famous Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra festival. Guptipara Rath Yatra 2027 date is July 5. The Rath Yatra at Guptipara began in 1730s. A single chariot is pulled during the annual Guptipara Rath Yatra not three as in Puri. The present ratha or the chariot is a wooden Nabaratna temple having nine shikharas. The framework of the ratha is made of Shorea Robusta hardwood. The ratha has a square base measuring 34 feet by 34 feet. It is four storied, having a height of 36 feet. The gigantic nine-pinnacled rath is decorated with colourful festoons and banners; it is also fitted with wooden horses and several wooden statues The ratha is fitted with 16 wheels made from Vachellia nilotica hardwood. It has four ropes in the front, each 300 feet long which are used for pulling the ratha forward. There is one more rope at the ba...

Keonjhar Rath Yatra in Odisha is unique and is slightly different from the world-famous Puri Jagannath Rath yatra. The chariot of Balabhadra here is the biggest and largest chariot in the world 22 m (72 ft) x 14 m (45 ft) x 14 m (45 ft). The Puri Jagannath Chariot pulled in Puri temple is 45 feet six inches in height. Breadth and length is 34 feet X 6 inches. The most important difference is that instead of coir rope, Siali creeper is used to prepare the ropes to pull the chariot of Balabhadra or Sri Baladev Jew. The chariot of Balabhadra is known as Nandighosha in Keonjhar. It is known as Taladwaja in Puri Jagannath temple. The main deity in the Keonjhar temple is Balabhadra. The shrine is popularly known as Matia Bandha or Shri Jagannath temple. The rituals of the Keonjhar Sri Baladevjew temple are same as Puri Jagannath temple. But here the three deities are taken from the temple to Gundicha Temple or Mausi Ma Temple through the one kilometer Bada danda road in one chariot. ...

Netrotsava at Puri Jagannath Temple is a ritual performed a couple of days before the Rath Yatra . Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra remain confined for fifteen days after Snana Purnima . In 2027, the date of Netrotsava is July 4. It is believed that the deities get fever after the ritualistic bath . During the fifteen day period, the idols are given a fresh coat of paint. The day when the eyes of the deities are painted is known as Netrotsava. After Snana Purnima, the deities do not appear before public and remain confined and this period is known as Anabasara. Netrotsava is also referred as the occasion for the renewal of youth of the deities – Nava Yauvana or Nabajouban Darshan. The eyes of the deities are given a fresh coat of paint by the respected priests. The first rains of monsoon season also arrive by this time. Devotees get a glimpse of Lord Jagannath and other deities after a period of 15-days after the Netrotsava ceremony. Devotees can h...

Chandannagar Rath Yatra held at Chandannagar in Hooghly district, West Bengal is a popular Jagannath Rath Yatra festival outside Odisha and is slightly different from the world famous Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra festival. Chandannagar Rath Yatra 2027 date is July 5. The Rath Yatra at Chandannagar began in 1774 CE. A single chariot is pulled during the annual Chandannagar Rath Yatra not three as in Puri. Known as Jodu Ghosher Rath, the chariot derives its name from Jadavendu Ghosh, a prominent rice trader of the region. According to historical records Jadavendu Ghosh, popularly known as Jodu Ghosh, was on a pilgrimage to Puri in 1763. He fell ill during the pilgrimage and was forced to return. On his return he decided to build a temple for Jagannath, Balram and Subhadra. The Rath Yatra started in 1774 (another source say 1798) on a rath made out of neem wood. The wooden rath continued its journey till 1962 when it was replaced with a new rath. After the introduction of the new ...

Mahishadal Rath Yatra held at Mahishadal at East Medinipur in West Bengal is one of the oldest Jagannath Rath Yatra festivals outside Odisha and is slightly different from the world famous Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra festival. Mahishadal Rath Yatra 2027 date is July 5. The Rath Yatra at Mahishadal began in 1776 CE. A single chariot is pulled during the annual Mahishadal Rath Yatra not three as in Puri. The Mahishadal rath of Jagannath rises to a height of almost 70 feet. The chariot procession was started by Rani Janaki Devi in 1776. It is probably the tallest rath in West Bengal. Though the same rath is still being used, its height has been reduced from 17 pinnacles to 13 pinnacles in 1860. The lower pinnacles have been replaced with colorful wooden statues. The gigantic chariot runs on 36 wheels. The local raja, belonging to the Garg family, accompanies the rath in a palanquin. Gunshots announce the start of the procession and continue through the course of the journey. ...

Anasara happens after the ritual bathing ( Snana Purnima ) of the deities worshipped in the Puri Jagannath Temple . 108 pots of water are poured on the idols and after this the deities enter into Anavasara or Anasara – a fortnight period of rest and recuperation.  For the next fifteen days, devotees are not allowed the darshan of the idols. It is believed that the deities catch fever after a long ritual bathing and therefore does not return to sanctum sanctorum for the next fifteen days. During this period, the Sabara daitas (specially appointed people) repaint the murtis or idols of Jagannath, Subhadra and Balabhadra. During Anasara period three Patta paintings of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are worshiped in the temple. Anasara lasts for 15 days in the normal years and for 45 days in years of Naba Kalebra, when the deities acquire new bodies. The origin and etymology of the term Anasara are unknown. Deities Are Moved To Anasara Gr...

Snana Poornima, or Deba Snan Yatra, is an important ritual before the world famous Rath Yatra at the Puri Jagannath Temple . Snana Purnima 2027 date is June 18. Snana Purnima is bathing ceremony of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra – the deities worshipped at the Jagannath Temple . The ceremony is held in traditional style and grandeur and is a much anticipated ritual. On the day of the Snana Poornima ceremony, the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra are escorted out of the Ratnasimhasan from the sanctum sanctorum of the Puri Jagannath temple early in the morning. Movement of the Deities Out of Sanctum Sanctorum for Snana Purnima The deities are brought to the Snan Bedi (bathing altar) amidst chanting of mantras and to the sounds of drums, cymbals, bugles and ghantas. This is known as the Dhadi Pahandi procession. This is located in the outer courtyard of the temple complex just behind Meghanda Prachira on the north-eastern si...

Adhara Pana ritual is performed on the day before Bhagwan Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra are taken inside the sanctum sanctorum of Puri Jagannath Temple after the completion of the famous Puri Jagannath Ratha Yatra. The Adhara Pana is a sweet drink and it is performed on the three chariots parked in front of the temple. The ritual is dedicated to Parshwa Devatas or Rath Rakshyaks – the subsidiary deities on each chariot. The subsidiary deities accompany the three main deities on their journey to the Gundicha Temple. The subsidiary deities guard the three main deities. Adhara Pana ritual is only offered to the Parshwa Devatas. A total of nine barrel-shaped terracotta urns containing a sweet drink is poured on the Parshwa Devatas and the urns are later broken atop the chariot to please the invisible spirits following the chariots. Adhara Pana is made of milk, cheese, sugar, banana, camphor and spices including black pepper and nutmeg. At the time of offering of Adhara Pana, Bhitar...

The three chariots (Raths) used for the annual Puri Jagannath Ratha Yatra are newly constructed each year. A particular family of carpenters owns the hereditary right to construct the chariots. The construction of the chariots begins on the Akashya Tritiya day, which is around three months before the actual Ratha Yatra day. Each chariot used in the Rath Yatra has specific size and dimensions. The chariots are a classic example on indigenous engineering marvel. Sal wood is used for the construction of the chariots. The wood is brought from the forests of Daspalla and Ranapur.  Around 2,188 pieces of wood are needed for the construction of the chariots These are chiseled out by around 125 carpenters. They work for 58 days at the Mahakhala – the front portion of the Palace located near the Jagannath Temple . Iron nails, brackets, clamps and other miscellaneous items needed for the chariots are prepared by the native blacksmiths. The structure above the wheels contains eigh...