10 Interesting Facts About Jagannath Rath Yatra

Zee Media Bureau
Jun 20, 2023

Word ‘juggernaut’ comes from the name ‘Jagannath’

The phrase 'juggernaut' refers to "a huge, powerful, and overwhelming force." Taking inspiration from Lord Jagannath's massive chariot

A Festival That Welcomes Everyone

On other days, the Jagannath temple imposes various limitations; however, on the day of the Yatra, anybody, regardless of caste or religion, can seek Lord Jagannath's blessings

Rain During The Yatra

Based on reports, there has never been a Rath Yatra that did not experience significant rain. Every year the festival day is greeted by rain

Lord Jagannath's Chariot Refuses To Move Forward

During the Rath Yatra, many devotees have observed that Lord Jagannath appears hesitant to proceed, regardless of how many people are pushing his chariot

The Almighty Being Served

The Gajapati or the king of Puri sweeps the floor with a golden broom before the chariots move forward thus providing a royal procession to the Lord

Making Of Chariot Tops

The chariot tops are designed to resemble the structure of the Jagannath Temple towers. The canopies are made by a team of 15 professional tailors

Chariot Making

On the auspicious festival of Akshaya Tritiya, the construction of the chariots begins with 1,400 carpenters. An old method of measurement is used in which hands and fingers are used

The Festival Of Chariots

People witness the journey of three independent chariots for Lord Jagannath, Lord Balarama, and Goddess Subhadra, the procession is also known as the festival of chariots

Wheels Of Chariot

Nandigosha is Lord Jagannath's chariot which has 18 wheels, Lord Balarama's chariot Taladwaja has 16 wheels, and Goddess Shubadra's chariot, Padmadhwaja has 14 wheels

Temple Doors Shut One Week Prior To Yatra

It is stated that Lord Jagannath gets a high fever every year before the Rath Yatra, hence the temple doors are kept closed and no one is allowed to disturb Lord's sleep

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