Why Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra Travel to the Gundicha Temple During Rath Yatra
The Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026 has begun in Puri, Odisha, with lakhs of devotees witnessing Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra travel to the Gundicha Temple. The annual journey commemorates the deities' visit to Lord Jagannath's maternal aunt's home and symbolises inclusivity, devotion and the Lord's blessings for all devotees.
The world-famous Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026 commenced in Odisha's Puri on Thursday, July 16, drawing lakhs of devotees who gathered to witness Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra begin their annual journey from the 12th-century Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple. While the grand procession is one of India's largest religious festivals, the journey to the Gundicha Temple holds deep spiritual and cultural significance rooted in centuries-old traditions.
During the Rath Yatra, the three deities are ceremonially brought out of the sanctum and placed on massive wooden chariots before devotees pull them along the nearly three-kilometre Bada Danda (Grand Road) to the Gundicha Temple. The deities remain there for several days before returning to the Jagannath Temple during the Bahuda Yatra. Jagannath Temple Chief Administrator Reviews Rath Yatra Arrangements, Urges Devotees to Follow Guidelines.
Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026
#Odisha: World-famous Rath Yatra of #LordJagannath and his 2 siblings - elder brother Lord Balabhadra and younger sister Devi Subhadra begins at #Puri.
During the annual festival of #RathYatra, Lord Jagannath and his two siblings give darshan to the public from the Chariots and… pic.twitter.com/CZoK9AyBbp
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) July 16, 2026
Why Do Deities Travel To The Gundicha Temple?
According to Jagannath tradition, the annual procession marks Lord Jagannath's visit to the Gundicha Temple, which is revered as the home of his maternal aunt.
Legend holds that Goddess Subhadra wished to visit her aunt's house at the Gundicha Temple. Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra accompanied her, giving rise to the annual Rath Yatra tradition that continues to be observed by millions of devotees.
The festival is also known as the Gundicha Yatra and is one of the few occasions when the deities leave the temple premises to offer darshan to devotees who may not be able to enter the shrine. The annual journey symbolises the Lord stepping out to bless all devotees, making the Rath Yatra one of Hinduism's most inclusive religious traditions.
The Significance Of The Three Siblings
The placement of Goddess Subhadra between Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra is a long-standing feature of Jagannath worship.
According to temple tradition, the arrangement symbolises familial affection, protection and unity among the siblings. Although each deity travels in a separate chariot during the Rath Yatra, the three undertake the sacred journey together, reinforcing their spiritual bond. The chariots are named Nandighosha for Lord Jagannath, Taladhwaja for Lord Balabhadra and Darpadalana (Devadalana) for Goddess Subhadra.
Why Are New Chariots Built Every Year?
One of the defining features of the Jagannath Rath Yatra is the annual construction of three towering wooden chariots.
Every year, hereditary carpenters build the chariots using wood from specific tree species sourced from Odisha, following centuries-old rituals and traditional techniques. After the festival concludes, the chariots are dismantled, and new ones are constructed for the following year's procession, symbolising renewal and the cyclical nature of life.
Why Are The Wooden Idols Replaced?
Unlike most Hindu temples where deities are represented by stone or metal idols, the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra are carved from sacred neem wood.
Every 12 to 19 years, during the sacred Nabakalebara ritual, the wooden idols are ceremonially replaced when an Adhika Ashadha (extra lunar month) appears in the Hindu calendar. The ritual reflects the belief that while the physical form changes, the divine essence remains eternal.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 16, 2026 04:42 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
