Rath Yatra in Jagannath Puri (Orissa) | Significance | Legend

What is Rath Yatra, and why is it celebrated? 

By Intimate Viewpoint

Rath Yatra is a festival in India in which a large Chariot processor of the deity Jagannath is taken out in Puri a state in Odisha. Although it is the major festival of Odisha, it is celebrated in many other states in India as well. 

This festival is celebrated in the month of Assam in the lunar calendar or in May or June in the Gregorian calendar. It is a Hindu festival associated with "Jagannath Mahaprabhu, " a form of Lord Vishnu.

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The significance

Rath Yatra has great significance in Hindu pictures. It is not an ordinary procession as the three deities Jagannath, his younger sister Subhadra, and elder brother Balbhadra or Balram are inside the Chariot. 

According to the Legend, on the same day, they went to their Aunt's (mother's sister's) house Gundicha Temple together after deity Jagannath's 15 days of illness.

The Legend 

Among the innumerable devotees of Lord Jagannath the name of some exclusive devotees are mentioned in the Hindu religious text and their Legends also.

According to Legend, lord Jagannath took the illness of one of his devotees upon himself due to which, he was iii for 15 days and isolated himself. For this reason, all of his other devotees became restless for a glimpse of him. 

Therefore after 15 days of illness. He set off on a visit to his aunt's house on a Chariot with his elder brother Balram or Balbhadra and his younger sister goddess Subhadra so that his restless devotees would be calm.

Thus this Day is observed every year as 'RathYatra'.