How a couple set up temple from where Jagannath Yatra began 100 yrs back in city

Lucknow: Mahant Shatrughna Das Jagannath Rath Yatra, taken out annually from Marwadi Gali in Aminabad, will turn 100 this year.To mark the centenary, a gala celebration has been planned.“The Rath Yatra was started in 1924 by Mahant Shatrughna Das who looked after the temple since he was 15 in a thakurji temple constructed by Surajbali Halwai and his wife, after they failed to conceive a baby. It was done on advice of a priest from Ayodhya,” shared Nandkishore Maheshwari, 78, who learnt about the story from his grandparents.“When the temple was constructed, they requested the priest to send one of his disciples for its upkeep on which he sent Mahant Sathurghana Das,” said Maheshwari.Unlike other Jagannath Rath yatras which have idols of Lord Jagannath, Balbhadra and Subhadra, five idols made of metal of Lord Ram and Sita, Lord Krishna and Radha and Ram lalla, brought from Ayodhya, are taken out as part of the procession.Back in the days when the yatra began, it was taken out from Marwadi Gali and brought back to the temple covering Aishbagh, Rakabganj and some parts of river Gomti. The route changed in 1930.“Since 1930, the yatra was taken out through Latouche Road, Nazirabad and Gomti till 1970 when due to development there were issues managing traffic. The yatra is no longer taken to river Gomti but diverted back to the temple from Kaiserbagh,” said head priest of the temple Surya Prakash.In the 1970s, street plays and skits spread awareness on various issues.

Devotees barred from entering Jagannath Temple on Rath Yatra

During Rath Yatra, strict measures are in place to ensure devotees' safety and smooth rituals. District officials and caretakers monitor chariots to prevent disruptions and maintain order.

No VIP darshan in Puri Jagannath Temple on Rath Yatra this year

Odisha govt eliminates VIP darshan at Jagannath Temple for Rath Yatra, ensuring timely rituals. VIPs must now view deities on chariots. Nabajouban Darshan and Netra Utsav will coincide, a rarity since 1971. Chief minister to oversee final preparations for the event.

Lord Jagannath Embarks on Rath Yatra to show love to his devotees

The annual Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri sees Lord Jagannath and siblings embarking on a journey from the Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple, symbolizing a visit to Vrindavan. The event, hosted by Iskcon Bangalore Temple, includes charitable activities by organizations like Neelanchal Sewa Samiti and Orissa Sikh Pratinidhi Board.