Why lord Jagannath Visits His Aunts House Know the Spiritual Reason: Every year, the grand Jagannath Rath Yatra, which takes place on Ashadh Shukla Dwitiya in Puri, Odisha, is not just a religious festival, but a unique confluence of faith, culture and love. One of the most unique traditions of this journey is Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra to go to their aunt Gundicha Devi’s house. This curiosity often arises in the minds of the people, why do God themselves go to their aunt’s house? Let’s know the mythology and importance behind this amazing tradition.
Mythology of Lord Jagannath going to her aunt’s house:
Many mythological stories explain the reason behind this tradition:
• Story of fulfilling sister’s wish: According to a popular story, once sister Subhadra expressed his desire to visit the city. To fulfill his wish, Lord Jagannath and Balabhadra sat on the chariot to show them the city. During the city tour, the three of them also reached the house of their aunt Gundicha Devi. He got a lot of hospitality at aunt’s house and he stayed there for a few days. In the memory of this incident, this Rath Yatra is taken out every year and God goes to Gundicha temple at his aunt’s house.
• Honor of Gundicha Devi: Another belief is that the Gundicha temple is the place where the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra were built by Devashilpi Vishwakarma. This temple was built on the insistence of King Indradyumna’s queen Gundicha. Therefore, Lord Jagannath considers Gundicha Devi as his aunt and goes to his house honoring her. There his aunt welcomes him by feeding special dishes like “Padopitha” and Rasgulla.
Importance and Message of Rath Yatra:
The Puri Rath Yatra is not just a journey, but also a symbol of the depth of relationships and service in life. God’s home to our aunt’s house every year also teaches us that the doors of rituals and relationships never break. This journey gives devotees an opportunity to directly connect with God, because during this time God comes out of his womb and gives darshan to the devotees.
Also Read: Why do Lord Jagannath fall ill for 15 days before Puri Rath Yatra?
Migration in Gundicha Temple:
Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra rest for about seven days. During this time he is served a lot and he is offered delicious dishes. It is said that sometimes the stomach of God is also spoiled by the aunt’s euphemism and dishes, for which they are also given special diet and medicines.
Thus, Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra and his aunt’s house is not just a religious ritual, but a lively example of the sweetness, affection and affinity of human relationships. This tradition has been going on for centuries and attracts millions of devotees every year, who consider themselves blessed by being a part of this grand festival.
