Jagannath Rath Yatra is one of the most popular and celebrated Hindu pilgrimages in which devotees all over India participate. One such couple from Jatni showed their ultimate devotion and love for their deities in an extreme and surprising way.
Couple Walks Barefoot To Jagannath Rath Yatra In Puri To Seek Blessings
The famous Jagannath Rath Yatra also known as Puri Rath Yatra kicked off on June 20 with a great number of devotees showing up to pay worship the gods.
It is also recognized as the ‘Gundicha Rath Yatra’ or the Festival of Chariots. In accordance with the Odia calendar, the festival is celebrated on the second day of Shukla Paksha and as of 2023, this time it was on June 20.
Every year, numerous worshippers from the state and all corners of the nation journey to the city of Puri to witness the majestic procession of the three divine beings, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra at the Jagannath Rath Yatra.
These revered deities are gracefully transported in elaborate chariots known as Raths, skillfully crafted from neem wood, and are lovingly pulled by devoted followers.
Also read: 7 Mysteries Of Puri Jagannath Temple That Will Blow Your Mind
One such couple from these lakhs of devotees named Suman Nayak and his wife Sonali walked barefoot for 75 Kilometers from Jatni to Puri to get a glimpse of the sibling deities.
Along with the couple, several other devotees from various parts of the state also walked to the divine destination to prove their undeterred devotion to the gods.
The couple said that they are staunch believers of Lord Jagannath and that this was the first time they decided to walk barefoot to witness the Jagannath Rath Yatra. The couple is a resident of Jatni which falls on the outskirts of Bhubaneshwar.
Couples Makes The Journey To Puri Rath Yatra, Barefoot
The Yatra does not just witness devotees from India but worldwide with foreigners thronging from start to end. The Jagannath Rath Yatra stands apart as the sole Hindu festival where deities are moved from their customary abode to a different location.
Each of the three chariots that bear the deities possesses its unique name. The chariot carrying Lord Jagannath is known as Nandighosh, while the chariots of Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra are named Taladhwaja and Darpadalana, respectively.
Also Read: 8 Facts About The Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra That You Must Know!
Have you witnessed the divine beauty of Jagannath Rath Yatra yet?
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva