Rath Yatra Significance & Spiritual Meaning
Rath Yatra is the chariot festival of Lord Jagannath at Puri, Odisha. The deities Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are taken in massive chariots to the Gundicha temple.
Rath Yatra Mythology & Legend
According to the Skanda Purana, Lord Jagannath (Krishna) visits his aunt (Gundicha) every year. The pulling of the chariots is considered highly meritorious. The festival is also linked to the legend of Krishna and Balarama going to Mathura in a chariot.
Rath Yatra Puja Rituals & Vidhi
- On the day of the yatra, witness or participate in the chariot pulling at Puri.
- Offer flowers and prasad to the deities; chant Jagannath mantras.
- Pull the rope of the chariot (even symbolically) for merit.
- Visit the Gundicha temple during the seven-day stay; witness the return journey (Bahuda Yatra).
Rath Yatra Mantras in Sanskrit
ॐ क्लीं कृष्णाय गोविन्दाय गोपीजन वल्लभाय स्वाहा
oṃ klīṃ kṛṣṇāya govindāya gopījana vallabhāya svāhā
Mantra of Krishna (Jagannath)
Rath Yatra Traditional Foods & Prasad
- ●Mahaprasad
- ●Poda pitha
- ●Khaja
- ●Temple prasad
Rath Yatra Regional Celebrations across India
Odisha(ରଥ ଯାତ୍ରା)
Puri Rath Yatra, three chariots
West Bengal(রথ যাত্রা)
ISKCON and local Rath Yatras
Gujarat(રથ યાત્રા)
Jagannath temples
Rath Yatra Do's & Don't's
Do's
- ✓Pull the chariot if possible
- ✓Offer prasad
- ✓Chant Jagannath name
- ✓Respect the crowd
Don'ts
- ✗Do not push or hurt others
- ✗Avoid climbing the chariot without permission
- ✗Do not litter
Rath Yatra — Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Rath Yatra?
- Rath Yatra is the chariot festival of Lord Jagannath at Puri, Odisha.
- What are the Rath Yatra puja rituals?
- On the day of the yatra, witness or participate in the chariot pulling at Puri.; Offer flowers and prasad to the deities; chant Jagannath mantras.; Pull the rope of the chariot (even symbolically) for merit.; Visit the Gundicha temple during the seven-day stay; witness the return journey (Bahuda Yatra).
- What to eat on Rath Yatra?
- Mahaprasad, Poda pitha, Khaja, Temple prasad
- What should you do on Rath Yatra?
- Pull the chariot if possible; Offer prasad; Chant Jagannath name
- What should you avoid on Rath Yatra?
- Do not push or hurt others; Avoid climbing the chariot without permission; Do not litter
- Which deity is worshipped on Rath Yatra?
- Rath Yatra is dedicated to Jagannath.