The Hare Krishna Movement

Ratha Yatra – Significance of Ratha Yatra

The word “Yatra” means pligrimage or Holy procession. Devotees and believers consider the yatra as most auspicious occasion in their lives.

The festival of yatra is considered very auspicious. Even a glimpse of Lord Jagannatha on the chariot is regarded as auspicious and the person who gets it is considered as fortunate. It is said that pulling the cart is enough to confer the results of hundreds and thousands of pious deeds or penances. In the Kathopanishada, the concept of the chariot is explained as follows:

Atmanam rathinam viddhi sareeram rathamevatu
Buddhim tu saarathim viddhi marah pragrahameva cha.

“Those who are fortunate to see the deities of the Srimandira in the Gundicha Temple, the final destination of the procession of the chariots, derive the benefits of a thousand horse sacrifices, an immensely pious deed.”

Thus, one can know how significant and meaningful ratha yatra is. We request our readers to participate in this famous festival and receive mercy of the the most merciful Lordships, Sri Sri Jagannatha, Balabhadra and Subhadra.