Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: When, where and why this divine journey takes place? Know full details
Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: On June 27, 2025, the Jagannath Rath Yatra will be flagged off in Puri, Odisha. It is a major and ancient festival of Hinduism, in which Lord Jagannath along with his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra departs from the main temple of Puri towards Gundicha Temple on huge chariots. The yatra begins every year on the second day of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashadha, and this time the date falls on June 27. Lakhs of devotees reach Puri on this auspicious occasion to have a darshan of the Lord and pull the chariot, thereby immersing the entire city in the colour of devotion.
The journey begins after the illness.
Before the Rath Yatra, Lord Jagannath takes a special bath on the full moon day. After this bath they are symbolically considered ‘sick’, and they remain in ‘anavasar’ i.e. seclusion for 15 days. Special pujas and abhishekams are performed to the deity on the occasion. After recovery, the Lord gets ready for the Rath Yatra. In this journey, they travel about 3-4 km and reach Gundicha temple, which is also called their aunt’s house. This journey is a unique confluence of faith and enthusiasm for the devotees.
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God’s resting place
Located about 3 km from the main Jagannath temple in Puri, the Gundicha temple is the focal point of the Rath Yatra. This temple is specially decorated and resonates with devotees only during the Rath Yatra. Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra rest here for 7 days. The beautiful Kalinga style architecture of the Gundicha temple, the lush green gardens spread around and the high walls make it even more attractive. It is also known as God’s Summer Garden. Here the traditions of special bhog, reception and worship for the Lord are performed, which are unforgettable for the devotees.
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Mythological significance and likely itinerary
It is said that the Gundicha temple was named after Rani Gundicha, the wife of King Indradyumna, who was an exclusive devotee of Lord Jagannath. God had promised him to come to his house every year, and this promise is fulfilled in the form of Rath Yatra. After spending 7 days in the Gundicha temple, the Lord returns to the main temple, which is called ‘Bahuda Yatra’. During this time, the streets of Puri reverberate with the crowd of devotees and devotional hymns. This yatra not only strengthens religious faith but also symbolises social unity and cultural prosperity.
