Indore (Madhya Pradesh): Indore is preparing for a massive wave of devotion as ISKCON temples in over 25 cities, including Indore, Ujjain, Bhopal, and Jabalpur, gear up for Jagannath Rath Yatra celebrations between June 27 and July 5.
According to ISKCON’s Achyut Gopal Prabhu, each city will witness a symbolic spiritual journey of the Lord, accompanied by vibrant cultural performances from ISKCON devotees across India and abroad.
However, ahead of the grand procession, Indore’s ISKCON temple in Nipania has gone unusually quiet. In a tradition closely aligned with rituals from Puri’s Jagannath Temple, the deity Lord Jagannath has been declared “unwell” following the ceremonial Snan Yatra on June 11.
Temple bells have stopped ringing, conch shells are silent and public darshan has been suspended. The temple has been closed to devotees until June 28, allowing the Lord time to “rest and recover.”
Turmeric remedy and satvik meals
In keeping with custom, priests at ISKCON Indore are performing special rituals to aid the Lord’s symbolic recovery. Turmeric paste—considered a traditional healing agent—was applied to the deity on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the Lord’s meals have been limited to boiled vegetables and khichdi. Items like sweets, dairy-heavy dishes and dry fruits are being avoided during this time of “illness.”
“We are maintaining a peaceful environment within the temple, allowing no loud sounds or public rituals,” confirmed Mahamandas Prabhu, ISKCON Indore President.
Grand Rath Yatra in Indore on June 29
Following the period of rest, Lord Jagannath will reappear on June 29 to ride through the city in a vibrant Rath Yatra, accompanied by His siblings, Lord Balram and Goddess Subhadra. The procession will begin at 1 PM from Annapurna Temple, passing through Ranjit Hanuman Temple, Chhatripura, Malharganj Chauraha, Tori Corner, Khajuri Bazaar and Rajwada, before concluding at Gopal Mandir.
Thousands of devotees are expected to join the yatra, which will include singing, dancing and joyous celebrations along the route.
With synchronized celebrations across the state and rich traditions echoing those of Puri, Madhya Pradesh is set to transform into a spiritual and cultural hub, celebrating the divine journey of Lord Jagannath in all its grandeur.
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