The Rath Yatra holds deep historical and religious significance. It dates back thousands of years. The festival commemorates the annual journey of Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings, from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, located approximately two miles away. Coinciding with the Rath Yatra at Jagannath Puri, Shree Jagannath Swamy Ramgopal Trust in Secunderabad will have its Rath Yatra on June 20.
Secunderabad’s Rath Yatra Begins On June 20
Rath Yatra, also known as the Chariot Festival, is one of the most celebrated and eagerly awaited festivals. The grand procession involves the magnificent chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra being pulled by thousands of devotees. In Secunderabad, the Trust has been conducting the Rath Yatra regularly for the last 130 years from Jagannath Temple at General Bazar, Secunderabad.
The temple gates will open for darshan from 6.15 am and close by 1 pm. Thereafter, the Rath Yatra procession will start from the temple at 4 pm, passing through General Bazar.
The rath yatra will be at MG Road from 6.30 pm – 10.30 pm, after which it will pass through Hill Street, Ranigunj and reach back the temple at around 4 am the following morning.
The Rath Yatra is a spectacle of devotion and unity. Devotees from all walks of life, irrespective of caste, creed, or gender, participate in pulling the chariots. The sheer energy and enthusiasm of the devotees create an atmosphere charged with spiritual fervour.
Also Read: 8 Facts About The Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra That You Must Know!
The Yatra Will Take Place For Some Days
The sight of the devotees pulling the massive chariots through the crowded streets is awe-inspiring. Moreover, the grandeur of the Rath Yatra lies in the construction and procession of the chariots. Each year, the colossal chariots are built with meticulous craftsmanship and devotion.
After the rath yatra, the return journey holds equal significance and attracts a massive crowd of devotees. The grand procession retraces its steps with the deities being brought back to the temple.
The arrival of the chariot back at the temple marks the culmination of the Rath Yatra. The deities are welcomed with great joy and celebration. This signifies the successful completion of their divine sojourn. And then, the deities are placed back inside the temple.
Cover image credits: Wikimedia Commons