ISKCON Vaikuntha Hill will celebrate Sri Jagannatha Ratha Yatra on 7 July 2024 from 5 PM onwards.

Unveiling the Divine Tradition: Jagannatha Puri’s Influence

This festival is based on the famous tradition of Jagannatha Puri. Lakhs of devotees gather annually to witness the grand spectacle of Sri Jagannatha Baladeva and Subhadra taken on three large chariots. The Maharaja of Puri also graces the occasion and participates in the ceremonial sweeping showing that even he is a servant of the Lord.

The Origins: The Enchanting Tale of Nila Madhava

The origin of the Jagannatha Ratha Yatra can be traced to the Puranas. There was once a king named Indradyumna. He was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu. He heard that there was a Deity of the Lord called Nila Madhava who manifested Himself in the forests. Eager to have darshan, he sent his courtiers to find out about Nila Madhava’s whereabouts. A priest named Vidyapati heard that the Savara tribe knew about Nila Madhava. Eventually, he learned that the chieftain, Vishvavasu, secretly worshipped Nila Madhava in the forest every day. Eager to have darshan, he requested Vishvavasu to take him with him. Eventually, the Lord Himself told Vishvavasu that He desired to be worshipped by King Indradyumna at Nilachala Dham, but He vanished mysteriously when the king came to visit. The king heard a voice saying the Lord would manifest in a wooden form. Soon they found a log of wood floating on the ocean. Vishwakarma, the celestial architect, agreed to carve the Deity out of it on the condition that he remain undisturbed. While he was working, the king became impatient and opened the doors of the room he was in to find that he had vanished, and there stood the forms of Jagannatha Baladeva and Subhadra as we know Them today.

Following this tradition, the devotees of ISKCON Vaikuntha Hill, Vasanthapura, will be celebrating a Ratha Yatra, giving an opportunity for devotees to come and pull the Ratha, participate in Kirtans, honour Prasadam and be blessed by the Lord.

Become a part of this wonderful festival and receive the special mercy of Lord Jagannatha on Ratha Yatra day. Offer your Seva.