The temple of Jagannath located in Puri, Orissa is famous all over the world. This temple is one of the four Dham pilgrimage sites of Hindus. It is said that before dying, every Hindu should visit all four Dhams, this helps in attaining salvation. Jagannath Puri is the temple of Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Lakhs of devotees visit this temple every year. One of the main attractions is the Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra held every year. This Rath Yatra is no less than a festival, not only in Puri but also in many parts of the country and abroad.

When will Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra be taken out in 2024?

The Rath Yatra of Jagannath ji is taken out every year on the second day of Shukla Paksha of Ashadh month (July month). In the year 2024, the Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra will take place on Sunday, July 7, 2024.

When is the Jagannath Puri Yatra held?

The festival of Rath Yatra lasts for 10 days and ends on the Gyaras day of Shukla Paksha. During this time, lakhs of people reach Puri and become a part of this grand event. On this day, Lord Krishna, his brother Balram, and his sister Subhadra are taken to Gundicha temple in chariots. All three chariots are decorated grandly, preparations for which start months in advance.

Story Behind Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra

There are many stories related to Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra, Some people believe that Krishna’s sister Subhadra comes to her maternal home and expresses her desire to visit the city with her brothers, then Krishna, Balram, and Subhadra rides in the chariot and go to visit the city, from then onwards the Rath Yatra started.

Apart from this, it is said that the goddess located in Gundicha temple is the maternal aunt of Krishna, who invites all three to come to her house. Shri Krishna, Balram, and Subhadra go to stay at their aunt’s house for 10 days.

Some people believe that on this day, after killing Kansa, Shri Krishna goes on a chariot journey with Balram to Mathura to give darshan to his subjects.

 Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra History

It is said that after the death of Shri Krishna, when his mortal remains were brought to Dwarka, Balram became extremely saddened by the death of his brother. They jump into the sea with Krishna’s body, followed by Subhadra. At the same time, King Indradvimuna of Puri situated in the east of India dreams that the body of God is floating in the sea.

Therefore, they should make a huge statue of Krishna here and get the temple constructed. Angels tell him in his dreams that along with Krishna, wooden statues of Balram and Subhadra should be made. And the ashes of Shri Krishna should be kept in a hole behind his statue.

After a few months, the idol is not made, and then due to haste, King Indradvimuna opens the door of the carpenter’s room, as soon as this happens, Lord Vishwakarma disappears. The idol is not completed at that time, but the king installs the idol just like this, he first places the ashes of Lord Krishna behind the idol and then enshrines it in the temple.

The statues of Lord Krishna, Balram, and Subhadra are changed every 12 years, and the new statues that are installed are also incomplete. This temple of Jagannath Puri is the only temple where the idols of three brothers and sisters are worshipped together.