The Rath Yatra of the famous Jagannath Temple in Puri is considered one of the most grand religious festivals in India. This year this holy journey will be taken out on 27 June 2025, when Lord Jagannath along with his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra will go on a chariot and go to his aunt’s house Gundicha temple. But before that a mysterious and emotional tradition is played, which makes the devotees emotional.
15 days’ solitude – Why are God ill?
Every year on Jyeshtha Purnima, Lord Jagannath falls ill after a bathing journey and goes to solitude for 15 days. During this time he is called ‘Anasar’ and does not give darshan to the devotees. Temple servants give them medicinal decoction, paste and traditional treatment. But why does this happen?
Legend: When God took his devotee’s illness on himself
According to the famous Jyotirvid Pandit Rajendra Shastri, there is a very poignant story behind this tradition. Madhav Das, the supreme devotee of Lord Jagannath, was suffering from a long illness. He distraught and prayed to the Lord – “Lord, you are the lord of the world, can’t my illness be lost?” God smiled and said – “Friend, I want to give you salvation. Just 15 days of suffering, he will enjoy it and then you will be free.” But seeing the pain of Madhavdas, the heart of God was moved. He lovingly took the remaining 15 days of his disease on him. Madhavdas was cured, but the Lord himself fell ill. Since then, Lord Jagannath remains unwell for 15 days every year, and seclusion is done during this period.
From Anasar to Nayan Darshan – the culmination of reverence and devotion
This solitude is called ‘Anasar’.
When God is healthy 15 days later, this day is celebrated as ‘Nayan Darshan’ or ‘Navyuvan Utsav’.
The very next day, Lord Vishal rides on a giant chariot and leaves for the rath yatra.
Rath Yatra will take place on June 27
The Rath Yatra will be taken out on 27 June this year. Millions of devotees from all over the country and abroad will reach Puri and will earn the virtue of pulling the chariot of God. It is believed that by drawing the chariot, the path of salvation is paved.
During the Rath Yatra, God will rest in the Gundicha temple (aunt’s house) for a week.
Then in ‘Bahua Yatra’, he will return to his temple again.
