Who Is Lord Jagannath? Why He Looks That Way & The Story
Lord Jagannath is the Lord of the Universe, a supreme form of Vishnu worshipped in Puri, Odisha. His wooden idol has large round eyes, no hands, and no legs. These features carry profound spiritual meaning rooted in ancient Vaishnava theology and sacred legend. He is not a regional deity. He is the Supreme Being worshipped …...
The Origin of Rath Yatra Part II
This is another traditional event that commenced before starting the Rath Yatra. It is a holy bathing ceremony of Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, along with his siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra. This is a full moon day, 16 days before Rath Yatra, one of the most well-known and spectacular celebrations in...
Rituals Performed in the Rath Yatra
The Rath Yatra initiates on the second lunar day, the bright fortnight of the Ashadha. Before the Rath Yatra, the Gundicha Temple is religiously cleansed to house the gods. On the day of yatra, the deities are transported in chariots from the main temple to the Gundicha temple. This is Jagannath Puri’s renowned Rath Yatra, …...
The Origin of Jagannath Rath Yatra Part I
The Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri is a grand and mesmerizing festival rooted in several mythical stories reflecting the socio-religious beliefs of the region. Here are some of the chief legends associated with its origin: Invitation to Mathura Kansa, the maternal uncle of Krishna, once harbored a sinister wish to harm both Krishan...
