।। Ratha Yatra or Ghosha Yatra in Srimandir Part – 6 ।।

Jay Jagannath, Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.

The third name of this Ratha Yatra is:-

(3) Mahavedi Mahotsav or Janmabedi or Antarvedi Yatra: Within the Gundicha Temple lies the ‘Yajnabedi’ (sacrificial altar) or ‘Mahavedi’ (great altar) where, during the time of Indradyumna, the idols (Bigraha) were first consecrated (pratishtha) by Brahma along with the performance of a yajna (fire sacrifice). Therefore, every year, the Darubrahma (the wooden embodiment of the Absolute) travels to His father’s abode (Pitru Sadana), i.e., the Gundicha Temple named Janakapuri, to reside on the Yajnabedi. Hence, in the ‘Vamadeva Samhita’, the Ratha Yatra is described as ‘Yajnotsav’ (Festival of Sacrifice).

During this journey, described as ‘Mahavedi Mahotsav’ (Festival of the Great Altar), the Devas (gods) descend from heaven (swarga) to have darshan (holy sight) of the Darubrahma. Truly, it is said in the ‘Skanda Purana’:
‘Nātaḥ pa parataro loke Mahābedī Mahotsavāt sarvapāpa haro yogḥ sarvatīrtha phalapradaḥ.’

(Meaning: There is no greater festival in the world than the Mahavedi Mahotsav; it is the means (yoga) that removes all sins and bestows the fruits of visiting all holy places (tirthas).)

Jay Jagannath, Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Namah.

Delve into the heart of the Ratha Yatra! Explore the Mahavedi Mahotsav, a celebration of the deities’ sacred origin at the Gundicha Temple, believed to absolve sins and bestow blessings. Learn more at justkalinga.com.