Rath Yatra or Ghosa Yatra in Srimandir – Part 2

Jai Jagannath, Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya. This Part 2 article explores Rath Yatra traditions connected with the different Gundicha Yatras observed in Srimandir.

Rath Yatra Traditions in Srimandir: Shakta and Saura Gundicha

Within the wider Rath Yatra tradition, Srimandir remembers several distinct Gundicha observances. Part 2 focuses on Shakta Gundicha and Saura Gundicha, while also naming Shaiva Gundicha and Sri Gundicha as part of this broader ritual landscape. Each observance has its own sacred time, deity and form of ceremonial movement.

Shakta Gundicha is described here through the journey of Durga and Madhava in a decorated chariot-shaped vimana, while Saura Gundicha centres on the movable image of Surya and a chariot procession within the inner enclosure of Srimandir. These traditions show how Rath Yatra language extends across different ritual journeys while retaining a clear connection with the temple’s devotional calendar. This Part 2 account therefore places Rath Yatra within a wider family of Gundicha observances.

Various Gundicha Yatras are celebrated in the Srimandir. These are:

(1) Shakta Gundicha
(2) Saura Gundicha
(3) Shaiva Gundicha
(4) Sri Gundicha

(1) ‘Shakta Gundicha’ or ‘Sharadiya Gundicha’: This yatra is observed from Ashwina Krushna Ashtami (the 8th day of the dark fortnight of Ashwina month), also known as Mulastami, until Ashwina Shukla Navami (the 9th day of the bright fortnight of Ashwina month), also known as Mahanavami. In this festival, since the deities Durga and Madhava travel in a well-decorated chariot-shaped vimana (a type of palanquin or divine vehicle), it is named ‘Shakta Gundicha’ or ‘Sharadiya Gundicha’.

(2) Saura Gundicha or Chaitra Gundicha or Saura-Rathayatra: On the Shasthi tithi (6th day) of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) of the Chaitra month, the Saura Rathayatra ritual is performed within the premises of the Surya Mandir (Sun Temple) located inside the inner enclosure (Bhitara Bedha) of the Srimandir. The Chalanti Bigraha (movable representative idol) of Surya (the Sun God) from the Surya Mandir inside the Srimandir is seated on a chariot and circumambulates the inner enclosure.

Jai Jagannath, Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Namah.

“Delve into the special Gundicha Yatras of Puri! Discover unique festive traditions and bring home authentic items celebrating these sacred journeys of Lord Jagannath.”