Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb explains the ancient significance of Rath Yatra and its global reach.
Rath Yatra remains one of the most important festivals in Odisha. Erstwhile King of Puri, Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, recently spoke about the deep roots of this sacred event.The Maharaja described Rath Yatra as a tradition followed since time immemorial. Lord Jagannath has expressed his desire to visit his birthplace once every year. This journey takes place on the Ashadha Shukla Paksha Dwitiya Tithi.
According to the Maharaja, Lord Jagannath commanded that this journey should be a 9-day celebration. It is known as Navadinaratmaka Yatra. The Lord travels from his main temple, the Jagannath Temple or Shrimandira in Puri, to his birthplace at Gundicha Mandapam.The distance between the two temples is about 2.5 km along the main road. Lord Jagannath stays at Gundicha Mandapam for 7 days. On the Dashami Tithi, he returns to the main temple in a procession called the Bahuda Yatra.
The Maharaja noted that the world is now in the seventh Manvantara. Yet the divine commands of Lord Jagannath continue to be followed exactly. This Rath Yatra is special because Lord Jagannath is the mula vigraha. Normally such consecrated deities stay inside the Garbhagriha, but Lord Jagannath made an exception to visit his birthplace for the pleasure of his devotees.
Rath Yatra Date and Schedule This Year
This year, Ashadha Shukla Paksha Dwitiya Tithi falls on July 16. The Chaturdha Daru vigrahas will begin their journey from the main temple to Gundicha Mandapam on that day. They will stay there for seven days before the return journey on Dashami Tithi.The Maharaja explained that during Rath Yatra, the Lord comes out for direct darshan. This is a rare occasion for all people to see the Supreme Lord and celebrate together.
Global Spread of the Festival
What began in Puri has now reached many parts of Odisha. The great festival has gradually spread to different countries outside India as well. Rath Yatra is now celebrated in almost all countries of the world.Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb said, “It is a tradition which has been followed since time immemorial… Lord Jagannath… has expressed his desire to visit his birthplace once in a year… that tithi is Ashadha Shukla Paksha Dwitiya Tithi. He has also commanded that this journey is to be a 9-day celebration.”
He added, “For nine days this yatra takes place… The Lord goes to His birthplace which is Gundicha Mandapam… from the main temple that is Jagannath temple Puri or Shrimandira. It is about a 2.5 km distance along the main road… to Gundicha Mandapam and there he stays for 7 days… and then on the Dashami Tithi he is again brought back in the chariots to the main temple… to give his grace to all beings.”The Maharaja stressed that everyone can come and take part in this festival. The Lord gives his grace to all beings during this time.
Devotees and visitors should note the key dates. The journey to Gundicha Mandapam starts on July 16. The return Bahuda Yatra will follow after seven days. Large crowds are expected in Puri during the entire Rath Yatra period. People from across India and abroad are likely to participate in this grand celebration of faith and tradition.
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