The Various Yatras of Lord Jagannath

Lord Jagannath, revered as the King of the Universe, is celebrated through numerous yatras (processions) and festivals throughout the year at the Jagannath Temple in Puri. These festivals are awe-inspiring displays of devotion and tradition. According to the Skanda Purana, Jagannath instructed King Indradyumna to observe twelve pilgrimages, celebrated according to the seasons and specific rules. Here are the thirteen prominent yatras:

Yatras:

  • 1. Snana Yatra (Bathing of Deities)
    o Date: Full moon day (Purnima) of Jyeshta month.
    o Description: The deities are brought to the Snana Mandapa and bathed with 108 pots of water.
  • 2. Rath Yatra (Car Festival)
    o Date: Asadha Shukla Dwitiya tithi.
    o Description: The deities are taken on grand chariots to the Gundicha Temple. This festival is world-famous and draws millions of devotees.
  • 3. Sayan Yatra
    o Date: Asadha Shukla Ekadashi tithi.
    o Description: Lord Jagannath and the deities are put to sleep, and public darshan is stopped.
  • 4. Dakshinayan Yatra
    o Date: Karkata Sankranti.
    o Description: Celebrates Vibhishan's darshan of Lord Jagannath. Dakshinayan Bandapana rituals are performed.
  • 5. Side-changing Yatra
    o Date: Bhadrab Shukla Ekadasi.
    o Description: The deities, while asleep, turn their backs on this day.
  • 6. Uththapan Yatra
    o Date: Kartik Shukla Ekadasi.
    o Description: Marks the end of the deities' sleep. Lord Jagannath awakens, and special rituals are performed.
  • 7. Pravana Sasti
    o Date: Margasira Shukla Sasti.
    o Description: The deities are dressed in winter clothes to ward off the cold.
  • 8. Pusya Yatra
    o Date: Full moon day (Purnima) of Poush month.
    o Description: The deities undergo bathing rituals.
  • 9. Uttarayan Yatra
    o Date: Makar Sankranti of Poush month.
    o Description: Special offerings and rituals, such as Makar Churashi Bhog, are made.
  • 10. Dola Yatra
    o Date: Full moon day (Purnima) of Falgun month.
    o Description: The deities are brought to the Dola Mandapa, and the Suna Besha ritual is performed.
  • 11. Damanak Yatra
    o Date: Chaitra Shukla Chaturdashi tithi.
    o Description: Sebayats carry out Damanak theft rituals.
  • 12. Chandan Yatra
    o Date: From Baishakh Shukla Tritiya tithi (Akshaya Tritiya) for 42 days.
    o Description: The deities play in the Chandan Pond to relieve the heat.
  • 13. Niladri Mohadaya
    o Date: Baishakh Shukla Ashtami tithi.
    o Description: Commemorates the appearance of the deities' Daru (holy wood) and the temple's inauguration.

These yatras, along with the additional significant processions like Bahuda Yatra, Hera Panchami, and Nava Kalevara, reflect the rich cultural and religious heritage associated with Lord Jagannath. Each yatra holds deep spiritual significance and showcases the devotion and elaborate rituals that define the worship of Lord Jagannath.