Editor’s Note
Ahead of the grand Jagannath Rath Yatra on June 27, 2025, we explore some fascinating facts about the Puri temple and its iconic chariot procession.
The Jagannath Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival) will be held at the Jagannath Puri Temple on June 27, 2025. On this occasion, we are going to tell you some interesting facts related to the Jagannath Temple in Puri.
This chariot procession involves a total of 3 chariots, to see which millions of devotees arrive from across the country and abroad. The chariot of Lord Jagannath is named Nandighosha, which moves at the very rear in this procession. At the very front is the chariot of Balabhadra, named Taladhvaja. In the middle moves the chariot of Subhadra, named Darpadalana.
These chariots are constructed from special ‘Daru’ wood. No nails, pins, or metal is used in building these three gigantic chariots. The construction of the chariots begins every year from the day of Akshaya Tritiya.
It is believed that participating in or witnessing this chariot procession yields the merit of a thousand yajnas (sacrificial rituals). Participating in this chariot procession of the Jagannath Temple in Puri, one of the four major pilgrimage sites (Char Dham), destroys sins. By the grace of Lord Vishnu and Mother Lakshmi, one enjoys the pleasures of this world and attains salvation.
This grand and divine chariot procession in Puri takes place during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase) of the month of Ashadha. During that time, it always rains. It is said that there has never been an occasion when the Rath Yatra has not been accompanied by rain.
During the Jagannath Puri Yatra, cleaning is done with a golden broom. This tradition, which began in ancient times, continues to this day. In the past, kings would clean in front of the chariot with a broom with a golden handle. In the present time, descendants of kings sweep in front of the chariot, after which the procession begins.
