Bahuda Yatra 2025: After Nine Days At Gundicha Temple, Lord Jagannath Returns Home — WATCH
The sacred Bahuda Yatra, the grand return journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra, has begun today, July 5, 2025, in Puri, Odisha. Bahuda Yatra is celebrated as the final and deeply significant part of the Jagannath Rath Yatra. The term “Bahuda” in Sanskrit means “return” and this event beautifully symbolises the gods’ return to their celestial abode after a spiritually charged stay at their maternal aunt’s house.
Thousands of devotees gather to witness this divine event, where mythology, rituals, and devotion come together in a spiritual spectacle. Rooted in deep tradition, Bahuda Yatra isn’t just a ritual, it’s a celebration of divine reunion, cultural richness, and unwavering faith that continues to inspire millions.
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Spiritual Significance Of Bahuda Yatra
Bahuda Yatra is a metaphor for the soul's return to its divine source. The massive turnout, even under heavy monsoon skies, reflects the unwavering bhakti. It is believed that witnessing the Bahuda Yatra can free one from the cycle of birth and death.
For many, it is a once-in-a-lifetime event, a direct darshan of divinity on Earth. The deities, who are usually hidden in the inner sanctum, come out to bless devotees during this spiritual yatra. It's a rare opportunity in Hindu traditions.
History Of Bahuda Yatra
The Bahuda Yatra, an integral part of Odisha’s revered Rath Yatra festival, finds its origins in ancient Hindu scriptures and the divine legends of Lord Jagannath. This sacred return procession is steeped in both mythology and historical tradition.
It is believed that it was King Indradyumna, the legendary 12th-century monarch and staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu, established the tradition of Rath Yatra and the Bahuda Yatra. Over the centuries, the Gajapati kings of Puri, temple priests, and countless devotees have carried this tradition forward with unwavering devotion. What began as a royal ritual has evolved into a massive spiritual celebration that draws millions of pilgrims and viewers from around the world each year. The Bahuda Yatra now continues to symbolise divine return, spiritual renewal, and eternal faith.
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