1. The History of Ratha Yatra

1. The History of Ratha Yatra:

The Skanda Purana states that Ratha-yatra began a few billion years ago in Satya-yuga during the reign of Svarocisa Manu, the second of the 14 Manus. Every year Lord Jagannatha enacts the Ratha-yatra (Mahavedi Yatra) in order to see His appearance place at the Yajna Vedi in the Gundica Mandira. (Skanda P. 29.25-44) In Orissa, the Ratha-yātrā festival is known as Jagannatha's journey to Gundică. Although outsiders call it Ratha-yătră, the residents of Orissa call it the Gundică-yatră in honor of Gundica devi, King Indradyumna's queen, who purportedly initiated this festival. The songs of many Oriyan poets state that Ratha-yatra started with the request of King Indradyumna's wife named Gundica.

Ratha-yatra is also known as the Patita Pavana Mahotsava because non- Hindus get the opportunity to see Lord Jagannatha. This auspicious darsana cleanses all sins and grants liberation.

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