Mantra.Tips
🛕

Jagannath Rath Yatra Mantras & Prayers

Rath Yatra (रथ यात्रा) is the grand Chariot Festival of Lord Jagannath, held every year in the month of Ashadha at Puri, when Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra ride out on three towering chariots. Pulling the rath is one of the most auspicious acts a devotee can perform. These are the mantras and prayers to chant during Rath Yatra with the joyful call of "Jai Jagannath".

Hare Krishna Mahamantra

Jagannath is Sri Krishna himself, so the Hare Krishna Mahamantra is the heart of Rath Yatra. Devotees sing it in sankirtan as they pull the chariot through the streets.

Hare Krishna Mahamantra

हरे कृष्ण हरे कृष्ण

Krishna Chalisa

The 40-verse hymn to Lord Krishna, recited to invoke the blessings of Jagannath, the Lord of the Universe, on his festival day.

Krishna Chalisa

बंशी शोभित कर मधुर, नील जलद तन श्याम।

Achyutam Keshavam

This melodious Krishna bhajan — "Achyutam Keshavam Krishna Damodaram" — is perfect for the devotional mood of the Rath Yatra procession.

Achyutam Keshavam

अच्युतम् केशवम् रामनारायणम्

Jagannath Aarti — Om Jai Jagdish Hare

The universal Vishnu aarti sung before and after the Rath Yatra and at the Gundicha temple — show the lamp to the Lord with full devotion.

Om Jai Jagdish Hare Aarti

ॐ जय जगदीश हरे, स्वामी जय जगदीश हरे।

Vishnu Sahasranama

The thousand names of Vishnu — reciting them on Rath Yatra honours Jagannath as the Supreme Lord and brings comprehensive blessings.

Vishnu Sahasranamam

शुक्लाम्बरधरं विष्णुं शशिवर्णं चतुर्भुजम् ।

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026?
Rath Yatra falls on the Dwitiya (second day) of the bright fortnight of the month of Ashadha — usually in late June or July. In 2026 it falls in the Ashadha month; check the Puri temple calendar for the exact date.
Which mantra to chant on Rath Yatra?
Chant the Hare Krishna Mahamantra and "Jai Jagannath" in sankirtan, recite the Krishna Chalisa and Achyutam Keshavam, and perform the "Om Jai Jagdish Hare" aarti. Reciting the Vishnu Sahasranama is especially auspicious.
What is the significance of pulling the Rath?
It is believed that those who pull Lord Jagannath's chariot, or even glimpse the Lord on the rath, are freed from the cycle of rebirth. Rath Yatra is the one occasion when the Lord leaves his sanctum to give darshan to everyone, regardless of who they are.

More Festival Guides