Puri Rath Yatra 2025: Lord Jagannath’s Divine Journey and a Spiritual Leader’s Blessing
On June 27, 2025, the holy town of Puri, Odisha, once again turned into a celestial stage as millions gathered to witness the sacred Jagannath Rath Yatra. A festival steeped in devotion, emotion, and spiritual grandeur, this year’s Yatra carried an extra glow as Jagadguru Rambhadracharya—a revered spiritual leader—graced the occasion with his presence and heartfelt words.
#WATCH | Puri | On Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025, Spiritual Leader Jagadguru Rambhadracharya says, “Lord Jagannath is divine and comes out of the temple to give ‘darshan’ to the devotees… I felt really good after his darshan… My blessings to all the devotees who have come… pic.twitter.com/hcQWrmwi54
— ANI (@ANI) June 28, 2025
“Lord Jagannath is divine and comes out of the temple to give darshan to the devotees… I felt really good after his darshan… My blessings to all the devotees who have come here,” said Jagadguru Rambhadracharya.
The Significance of Rath Yatra – A Divine Procession of Faith
Every year during the Shukla Paksha of the Ashadha month, the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra unfolds on the grand avenues of Puri. For Hindus, it is not just a ritual but a deeply emotional experience. It’s believed that Lord Jagannath comes out of his sanctum sanctorum to bless those who may never be able to enter the temple.
This moment of divine accessibility brings tears to many. The Lord, known for his boundless compassion, travels the 3 km distance to the Gundicha temple in massive chariots, pulled by thousands of devotees chanting and crying in devotion.
Jagadguru Rambhadracharya – Words That Touched Millions
A Spiritual Moment Shared
When Jagadguru Rambhadracharya, an acclaimed Hindu scholar and poet, offered his reflections on the Rath Yatra, the atmosphere grew even more sanctified. Known for his deep scriptural knowledge and boundless devotion, the Jagadguru’s presence elevated the occasion.
He spoke of the Lord’s darshan—a word that transcends sight and speaks to the soul. His voice trembled with emotion as he described the feeling of seeing Lord Jagannath during the Yatra.
“It felt divine. It filled my heart with joy. Lord Jagannath’s presence is not just physical—it is deeply spiritual.”
More Than a Festival – An Emotional Pilgrimage
Devotion in Every Step
The Rath Yatra is unlike any other religious gathering in the world. Here, faith walks on foot, as millions walk miles barefoot, chanting “Jai Jagannath”. Devotees wait in line for hours just to catch a glimpse of the Lord’s chariot.
From mothers holding their children up to the sky to old men with folded hands and wet eyes, every emotion finds expression on the streets of Puri.
Stories Carried on Chariot Wheels
Every devotee has a story—of recovery, of prayer answered, of hope. A woman from Bihar said, “Last year, I prayed for my daughter’s health. She recovered, and I promised to come here barefoot. Today I fulfilled that vow.”
It is this blend of faith and fulfillment, of sacrifice and celebration, that makes the Rath Yatra unforgettable.
The Chariots – Where Craft Meets Devotion
Each year, the three majestic chariots are constructed anew using sacred neem wood. Named Nandighosa (for Lord Jagannath), Taladhwaja (for Balabhadra), and Darpadalana (for Subhadra), the chariots are not just vehicles—they are symbols of movement, inclusion, and transformation.
Their journey from Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple marks not only the Lord’s physical journey but also a soul’s inner movement toward peace and divinity.
Universal Message of Jagannath – Equality, Compassion, and Love
Lord Jagannath is often referred to as the “Lord of the Universe.” His form—without arms and legs—is symbolic. It teaches the world that God needs no form to touch hearts, and no boundaries to offer grace.
In Puri, caste, class, language, and location vanish. Everyone becomes a devotee, joined together by their shared longing for divinity.
