PURI
The Abode of Lord Jagannath

THE RATHA YATRA

The Ratha Yatra - the annual car festival is another notable factor for the world-wide popularity of the temple. It is held in the month of Aashad in such a grandiose and splendiferous manner that history has not so far produced any parallel to it, in matters of popularity, sanctity, immensity and sublimity. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that the three Moola Vigrahas are taken in procession in three separate and well decorated gigantic cars from the Main Temple to Gundicha Mandir, lying at a distance of about two kilometers. The belief is current that he who stays here for three days and nights is freed from the cycle of birth and deaths. Its history is vast, and sanctity, defies description. Of the three, the Jagannath chariot is superb. It is 45 feet in height and elegant with soul filling's decorations. It is supported by 16 wheels and as many as 2 lack people participate in it. It commemorates Lord Krishna's journey from Gokulam to Mathura. The deities remain there for a week. Millions from all over India avail this unique sight. There is a great craze for touching and tugging the car; for, it is considered as an act of emancipation by the orthodox Indians. 

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