ODISHA: During the famous Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, the evening darshan (viewing of the deity) holds special significance for devotees. According to religious beliefs, catching a glimpse of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra during the Rath Yatra brings immense spiritual merit. In view of this, darshan will conclude today after 6 PM, as preparations for the Bahuda Yatra (the return chariot procession)—scheduled for the following day—will commence.
Devotees are arriving in Puri in the hundreds of thousands for this sacred occasion. The temple and district administrations have made special arrangements for crowd control, security, and the smooth conduct of darshan.
What is the significance of the evening darshan?
During the Rath Yatra, Lord Jagannath leaves the main temple (Srimandir) for a few days to reside at the Gundicha Temple. This period offers devotees a unique opportunity to witness the deity.
According to religious belief, viewing the deity during the evening hours is considered highly auspicious. Devotees regard this darshan as spiritually deeply rewarding.
Darshan to close at 6 PM
In keeping with Rath Yatra traditions and the need to prepare for the next day’s events, darshan will be suspended after 6 PM today. Following this, temple servitors and the administration will engage in preparations for the Bahuda Yatra.
Devotees are urged to arrive for darshan within the designated timeframe and to adhere to the administration’s guidelines.
Bahuda Yatra to take place tomorrow
The return journey of Lord Jagannath is known as the Bahuda Yatra. On this day, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra board their respective chariots and depart from the Gundicha Temple to return to the Srimandir.
The Bahuda Yatra is considered just as significant as the Rath Yatra and draws a vast number of devotees.
Religious tradition of the Rath Yatra
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is one of India’s most renowned religious processions. During this event, massive chariots carrying Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and his sister Subhadra are taken out in a procession.
The names of the three chariots also hold special significance:
Lord Jagannath’s chariot: Nandighosha.
Lord Balabhadra’s chariot: Taladhwaja. Devi Subhadra’s chariot: Darpadalan.
Devotees consider witnessing and serving these chariots to be highly auspicious.
Special security arrangements
In view of the massive influx of devotees in Puri, the administration has put comprehensive security arrangements in place. Additional police forces have been deployed along key routes, the Rath Yatra area, and the vicinity of the temple complex.
Special plans have also been implemented for crowd control, traffic management, and emergency services.
Enthusiasm among devotees
Devotees from across the country and abroad arrive in Puri during the Rath Yatra. A palpable sense of enthusiasm is evident among the devotees regarding the opportunity to see Lord Jagannath and serve the chariots.
People participate in this sacred occasion through bhajan-kirtan (devotional songs) and religious rituals.
