Just as every year, this year’s grand Rath Yatra of Jagannath Puri is being organized with immense devotion and enthusiasm. Beginning on June 27, 2025, Lord Jagannath, brother Balभद्र, and sister Sudhira will be seated on magnificent chariots, coming before their devotees. This is not merely a religious festival, but a symbol of faith, power, and well-being.
It is believed that participating in the Rath Yatra is akin to having the good fortune of seeing God himself. However, if you bring back some sacred objects from the journey and keep them in your home, it can bring about remarkable transformations and miraculous benefits to your life. Let’s explore these sacred objects that are considered highly auspicious to keep in the home after bringing them from the Rath Yatra.
1. Holy Wood from the Rath: Entry of Prosperity and Good Fortune
After the conclusion of the Rath Yatra, the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balभद्र, and Sudhira are ceremoniously dismantled. These chariots are crafted from pure and sacred Neem wood, known as ‘Darjee Phali’. According to religious beliefs, if you bring even a small piece of the dismantled chariot wood home and place it near the puja site or the main gate, it removes negative energy from the house and invites positive energy. It is also considered to enhance wealth, health, and prosperity in the family.
2. Nimalya (Dry Rice): Increased Blessings in the Granary
In the Puri temple, Lord Jagannath is offered a portion of ‘Nimalya’ – dry rice offered as a sweet. This Prasad is specially prepared and offered to the Lord, and then distributed to the devotees. It is believed that if you keep these dry rice grains in your home’s grain storage (the storage location in the kitchen), there will never be a shortage of food. It also ensures the blessings of Annapurna and maintains a constant presence of Lakshmi in the home, bringing prosperity and abundance.
3. Temple Staff (Benta): Residence of Lakshmi, Acquisition of Wealth
During the Jagannath Rath Yatra, a special staff (Benta) is used, which is offered to devotees as a blessing. It is believed that this staff contains the radiance of both Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Jagannath. If you receive this staff during the journey and place it in your home’s puja site or treasury, it increases wealth, prestige, and honor. It also opens up new avenues for income.
4. Tulasi Mala (Garland): Entry of Positive Energy
Lord Vishnu is particularly fond of Tulsi (Holy Basil), and the significance of Tulsi in Jagannath Dham is considered exceptionally unique. Wearing or keeping a Tulasi Mala obtained during the Rath Yatra or from the Jagannath temple premises in your home will bring positive energy, mental peace, and spiritual progress to your life. This mala prevents negative forces from entering the home and paves the way for success in all your endeavors.
5. Image or Symbol of Jagannath: Indicator of Fortune
If you bring back the original emblem, a small picture, or a statue of Lord Jagannath from the return journey and install it on your home’s puja site, it brings stability and peace to your life. Just seeing Lord Jagannath bestows liberation from sins, and if this symbol is regularly worshipped, it ensures spiritual advancement and worldly success as well.
What is the Belief?
According to Hindu scriptures, Jagannath Dham is considered the Earth’s equivalent of Vaikunth (Lord Vishnu’s abode). Lord resides here, and simply witnessing or connecting with the Rath Yatra bestows seven lifetimes of merit. Therefore, objects brought from here are also considered equally sacred and effective.
Can bringing back just one object be enough?
Yes. If you are traveling on the journey and it’s not possible to bring back everything, then bringing back any one of these four objects will also have miraculous effects. Sacred symbols brought with devotion and faith have the power to alleviate every crisis in life.
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is an opportunity that not only provides spiritual peace but can also transform the direction of your life by bringing back sacred objects from it. If you bring home any of these objects with devotion and regularly honor them, then surely you will experience an increase in wealth, fortune, health, and spiritual balance in your life.
