Jagannath Temple located in Puri, Odisha is famous all over the world. The most special tradition related to this grand temple of Lord Krishna is the Jagannath Rath Yatra, which every devotee eagerly wait. This year the Rath Yatra will start from 27 June 2025. According to the Hindu calendar, the Rath Yatra begins in the month of Ashada from the second date of Shukla Paksha. During this time lakhs of devotees from all over the country and abroad reach Puri and visit Lord Jagannath, brother Balarama and sister Subhadra. This Rath Yatra is not just a religious festival but the ocean of faith. It is believed that participating in the Rath Yatra gives a virtue equal to 100 Yajna. But do you know that the entry of unmarried couples in this temple is prohibited? Actually, there is a legend behind it, which is associated with Radha Rani. Let’s know the legend related to this …
Why can’t an unmarried couple go to the Jagannath temple of Puri? Unmarried couples or such couples are not given entry into the Jagannath temple of Puri, whose marriage has been fixed but has not been married yet. There is no social reason behind this but an old religious story. This story is directly related to Lord Krishna’s beloved Radharani. According to the legend, once Radha Rani reached Puri to see the Jagannath form of Lord Krishna. When she started entering the temple, the priests stopped her from entering the temple.
When Radharani asked the reason for this, the priest said that he is not Krishna’s wife but his girlfriend. Therefore, their entry into the temple is not possible, because even the wives of God are not allowed to enter this temple. Hearing this, Radha Rani was very hurt and angry she cursed that no unmarried couple would be able to enter this temple from now on. If an unmarried couple enters here, they will never get love in life. The tradition has been going on since then this tradition is being played since then. If an unmarried couple tries to enter the Jagannath temple of Puri, it is stopped. Everyone is stopped from entering, whether they are lover or engaged but have not been married yet. The temple administration follows this tradition with full devotion.
Importance of Jagannath Rath Yatra
During the Rath Yatra, Lord Jagannath along with his brother Balaram and sister Subhadra rode on three huge chariots and go to Gundi temple at his aunt’s house. There they rest for 7 days and then return to their main temple. Millions of devotees gather to see this grand journey. It is believed that a person who participates in this chariot journey, washed away all his sins and attains salvation.
