The Jagannath Temple Jagannath Rath Yatra is one of most sacred festivals. From a traditional Vedic astrological perspective (rather than a scientifically established one), it is considered a highly auspicious period for spiritual merit, removal of karmic obstacles, and seeking divine grace. Pulling the chariot (Rath) during the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra is regarded as a deeply sacred act of devotion. While beliefs vary by tradition, the festival symbolizes Lord Jagannath coming out of the temple to bless everyone, regardless of caste, status, or background. The spiritual importance of pulling the Rath includes:

• An act of seva (selfless service): Pulling the chariot is considered an offering of one’s strength and devotion to Lord Jagannath.
• Receiving divine blessings: Many devotees believe that sincerely participating in the Rath Yatra brings the Lord’s grace, inner peace, and spiritual merit.
• Symbol of surrender: Holding the rope represents allowing God to guide one’s life rather than being led solely by ego and worldly desires.
• Equality among devotees: During the Rath Yatra, people from all walks of life pull the same chariot together, symbolizing unity and equality before God.
• Spiritual purification: Traditional beliefs describe participation in the Yatra—especially with faith, prayer, and good conduct—as helping purify the mind and encouraging righteous living.
• Rare opportunity for darshan: Since Lord Jagannath comes outside the temple, many who cannot normally enter or visit the sanctum can have His darshan.

According to the Skanda Purana, Brahma Purana, and long-standing Jagannath traditions, seeing the Lord on the chariot and participating in the procession are considered highly auspicious, though these are matters of religious belief rather than empirically verifiable facts. If you have the opportunity to pull the Rath:

• Offer a sincere prayer before touching the rope.
• Chant “Jai Jagannath” or the Hare Krishna Mahamantra.
• Pull with humility and patience rather than force.
• Pray not only for yourself but also for the welfare of all beings.

In the Jagannath tradition, it is often said that the greatest blessing is not merely touching the rope, but cultivating devotion, compassion, humility, and righteous conduct in daily life.

Astrological Significance :

Powerful Sun energy: Rath Yatra is celebrated during the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the lunar month of Ashadha, a time traditionally associated with increasing spiritual vitality and divine blessings.

Movement of destiny: The Lord’s journey from the temple to the Gundicha Temple symbolizes movement, progress, and the removal of stagnation in one’s life. Astrologically, it is believed to support positive changes when one has been facing delays.

Reduction of karmic burdens: Traditional belief holds that sincere devotion to Lord Jagannath during this period can help lessen the effects of difficult planetary influences (graha doshas), although this is a matter of faith rather than something astrology can verify.

Support for Jupiter (Guru) and Moon: Worship during Rath Yatra is believed to strengthen qualities associated with wisdom, devotion, compassion, and emotional stability.

Good time for new spiritual beginnings: Many devotees begin mantra japa, charity, pilgrimage, or religious study during Rath Yatra because it is considered spiritually auspicious.

Spiritual benefits traditionally associated with participating :

Pulling the chariot with devotion is believed to bring great spiritual merit (punya). Seeing (darshan) of Lord Jagannath on the chariot is believed to purify past karma. Offering food, water, or service to pilgrims is considered especially meritorious. Chanting the names of Lord Jagannath, Krishna, or Vishnu during the festival is believed to multiply the spiritual benefits of one’s practice.

If you cannot attend puri tradition holds that you can still participate by:•

Praying before an image of Lord Jagannath at home. Chanting the Jagannath Ashtakam or the Hare Krishna Mahamantra. Reading stories of Lord Jagannath. Donating food or helping those in need. Watching the Rath Yatra with devotion and offering prayers.From the perspective of devotion, many traditions teach that the most important factor is sincere faith and selfless service, rather than one’s birth chart or planetary positions. Astrological interpretations of Rath Yatra are part of tradition and should be understood as matters of religious belief rather than established scientific fact.

In the Jagannath Temple tradition, Lord Jagannath is believed to be especially pleased by sincere devotion, humility, and service rather than elaborate rituals. Here are some widely cherished ways to worship Him:

• Chant His names with devotion, such as:
  • “Jai Jagannath”
  • “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”
  • Hare Krishna Hare Rama Mahamantra
• Offer simple food (bhog) like fruits, cooked rice, khichdi, or sweets prepared with a clean mind and loving intention. Offer it first to the Lord before eating.
• Read or listen to stories of Lord Jagannath, Lord Krishna, or the Bhagavad Gita regularly.
• Serve others, especially by feeding the hungry or helping those in need. Selfless service is considered dear to Him.
• Live truthfully by practicing compassion, honesty, forgiveness, and humility.
• Visit a Jagannath temple when possible, or keep a picture or idol at home and offer a lamp, flowers, or tulsi leaves daily.
• Observe sacred festivals, especially the annual Rath Yatra, with devotion. Even remembering or chanting His name during the festival is considered spiritually beneficial.

A beautiful prayer is: “Jagannath Swami Nayana Patha Gami Bhavatu Me.”

“O Lord Jagannath, may You always remain on the path of my vision and in my heart.”

The 72 Names And Their Functions
1- VEHUIAH – If you need a Fresh start in life. Also bestows wisdom
2- JELIEL – Enhances Love, sex and also defends you if you are wrongfully accused
3- SITAEL – General protection from adversities.
4- ELEMIAH – Protects you when you travel. Also works against mental disorders.
5- MAHASIAH – Will help you live in harmony with those around you. Also bestowal of occult knowledge.
6- LELAHEL – To acquire knowledge of healing as well as the arts. Can increase your fortune and fame.
7- ACHAIAH – Bestows Patience and the love of learning
8- CAHETEL – Will call down upon you Divine Blessings against evil.
9- HAZIEL (Aziel) – Divine Mercy and Forgiveness. A very good angel
10- ALADIAH – Bestows good health but also governs anger and rage.
11- LAUVIAH – For the obtainment of Victory in your endeavors.
12- HAHAIAH – Will Help you Against adversity. he will also help you with lucid dreaming. He will also help you discern secrets.
13- YEZALEL – He can help you sustain friendships and mend fences.
14- MEBAHEL – This angel stands for Justice, truth and freedom.
15- HARIEL – Helps one create a Moral purification of the mind
16- HAKAMIAH – Enhances Loyalty and is good to discern disloyalty
17- LAVIAH – This angel is great for prophetic Revelations in dreams. Also a lover of the Arts
18- CALIEL – If you need help quickly this angel works very fast. Especially with legal issues.
19- LEUVIAH – Helps expand the human intellect to new levels, also good for memory and whole brain thinking.
20- PAHALIAH – Good for protection of those who lead the spiritual life. Also keeps spiritual people on track.
21- NELCHAEL – Will help you learn any topic. he is also good for the elimination of curses and evil entities.
22- YEIAYEL – He will bestows fortune, fame and renown to the one using him. Also good for one who wants to start a business.
23- MELAHEL – Has a great healing capacity as well instills courage in a person.
24- HAHEUIAH – General protection
25- NITH-HAIAH -This angel is very powerful and will help you discover Spiritual Wisdom and Magic
26- HAAIAH – For those in politics this angel is very good. He also increases Ambition if that is what you need.
27- YERATEL – He will confuse those who want to harm you. He is a lover of peace and justice.
28- SEHEIAH – Is a protector of health and longevity.
29- REIYEL – Liberation from enemies, both physical and invisible. He is also a defender of spiritual truth.
30- OMAEL -He is very good to dispel depression and impatience. He is also a patron angel of Doctors.
31- LACABEL – Very good for the acquisition of knowledge.
32- VASARIAH – Helps one attracts harmony and mercy into life. Also helps one becomes more articulate.
33- YEHUIAH – Will help you discovers those who are against you.
34- LEHAHIAH – If you have issues with anger, this angel can help you get it under control.
35- CHEVAKIAH – This angel will help you Reconcile with those you may have harmed. He is a promoter of peace.
36- MENADEL – Helps protect your employment and to preserve your livelihood from layoffs and other misfortunes.
37- ANIEL – Inspires philosophical knowledge also makes one deeply knowledgeable in the arts and sciences.
38- HAAMIAH – Will help you gain reward on earth and in heaven. He governs all that relates to the divine.
39- REHAEL – Is a great healer of the sick
40- YEIAZEL – If you are troubled. He will bestow Gods Consolation and Comfort
41- HAHAHEL – If you feel you have a divine Mission, he will help you discern it.
42- MIKHAEL – He is concerned with political affairs. He also protects travelers.
43- VEULIAH – Will protect you from your enemies. He is also a patron of people who are in the military.
44- YELAHIAH – Will help you be successful in all your undertakings.
45- SEHALIAH – He will increase Motivation and willpower
46- ARIEL – He will increase your gratitude for the things you have . He will also bestow great secrets.
47- ASALIAH – A great angel to increase contemplation of the divine.
48- MIHAEL – Great for reuniting couples. Angel of love and fertility as well.
49- VEHUEL – Will help eliminate Sorrow.
50- DANIEL – TO help you obtain the mercy of the divine. Will also help you prevail in legal proceedings. He is also a patron of people in the Legal profession.
51- HAHASIAH – Will help you discern the mysteries of life.
52- IMAMIAH – Patron of prisoners. Will also humble all those who wish to harm you.
53- NANAEL – Will help your Spiritual Communication with the divine and spirit realms. Will also help with meditation.
54- NITHAEL – To obtain God’s mercy and to help you live a long life. Will also help you with writing eloquently.
55- MEBAHIAH – Will help you perform good deeds. Will show you what to do for your soul.
56- POYEL – For general fulfillment of what you desire. Governs fame and fortune.
57- NEMAMIAH – For general prosperity. Also good for people in the military.
58- YEIALEL – Will help improve your mental state. Also good for healing the eyes.
59- HARAHEL – Helps with fertility issues in women. Also helps you calm your disobedient child. Also loves learning and is the patron of authors.
60- MITZRAEL – Good for the remediation of all mental illness.
61- UMABEL – Will help you become more social and make more friends. Great for shy people.
62- IAH-HEL – Great for the acquisition of wisdom and philosophy.
63- ANAUEL – Great for protection while traveling. He also governs business, banking and commerce in general.
64- MEHIEL – Protection from wild animals. Good for those who work as veterinarians or in zoos. Also a patron of professors.
65- DAMABIAH – Helps attract great fortune. Also a wonderful angel against curses and hexes.
66- MANAKEL – If you feel that divine wrath is upon you. This angel will intercede on your behalf. He will also heal various neurological disorders
67- EYAEL – If you seek truth, no matter it be earthly or spiritual, this angel well help you obtain it.
68- HABUHIAH – This angel is a great healers. He also facilitates agriculture and gardening.
69- ROCHEL – Will help you find lost objects.
70- JABAMIAH – THis angel will help you on your spiritual path.
71- HAIYAEL – Divine Warrior and protector. He is good for general protection.
72- MVMIAH – He brings success in all things.

Haldi or turmeric comes from the powdered tubers of the curcuma longa , classified under the zingiberaceae root family . Turmeric is a perennial Asian plant cultivated for its yellow tuberose root . The turmeric plant has narrow leaves one to one and a half feet ( 30 – 45 cm ) long . The pale yellow flowers are borne on spikes four to seven inches ( 10 – 18 cm ) long . The turmeric mala is very useful in performing special prayers overpowering enemies and cures jaundice . The wearer of this mala gets peace of mind and is rid of anxiety , depression , and tensions .The mala is used in baglamukhi sadhna . Baglamukhi ( Mars ) Sadhana The goddess appeared as a result of tapa by lord vishnu to dispel the problems in life of human beings caused because of a great oceanic storm ( swatantra tantra ) . It was on a tuesday and night of chaturdashi . Therefore her sadhana is commenced on either of two days . She is a vaishnavi and the vidhya is known as pitambra vidhya with a seat at datia ( mp ) . All items used in sadhana should be yellow in color.  As per kundika tantra during sadhana , celibacy , sleeping on ground , and purity of mind is essential.  Her sadhak is blessed with victory over enemy in litigation , competition and election , cure from chronic diseases to ward off difficulties and malefic planetary effects and power to control and torture his enemies.  This is useful in all the shatkarma . 1. Dhyan I medidate and salute the goddess who is seated in sudha sagar on a gem studded throne of gold . The dress , attire , ornaments of goddess and environment around is yellowish.  By her left hand she is pulling out the tongue of the devil vera and by her right hand she is beating the devil by club such is two armed goddess pitambra . 2. Mantra .After viniyog , nyas , kavach , & strotra keeping baglamukhi tantra in front following mantra is sanctified by reciting 125000 times over a period of 21 days after 9 pm . om hrim baglamukhi sarvadustanam vacham mukham sthambhaya jihva keelay keelayam buddhi nashay hrim om swaha . Baglamukhi Poojan Bhagvati bagalamukhi is also known by the name of pentambra.  All type of suffering are releaved by the reading of devi kavach and strota . For the rituals performed in respect of baglamukhi devi all item should be of yellow color. After morning bath put a yellow cloth on a wooden plank and put put a photo and yantra of baglamukhi on it . Before starting this ritual you must perform sarvadev worship . Finally you must recite baglamukhi aarti .

1. Aries – Jaggery , parikrama 9 times .
2. Taurus – Misri ( rock sugar ) , parikrama 11 times .
3. Gemini – Raw wheat ear ( hari gehoon kee baalee) , parikrama 7 times .
4. Cancer – Rice or white till , parikrama 28 times 
5. Leo – Dhoop , parikrama 29 times .
6. Virgo – Paan and hari elaichi , parikrama 7 times .
7. Libra – Camphor , parikrama 21 times .
8. Scorpio – Jaggery , parikrama 28 times .
9.Sagittarius – Chana dal , parikrama 23 times 
10. Capricorn – black till( sesame seeds ) , parikrama 15 times .
11. Aquarius – Black mustard seeds , parikrama 25 times .
12. Pisces – Yellow mustard seeds , parikrama 9 times .

As per the narration of sant tulsidas in vinay patrika lord ganesha is very fond of modak or ladoos ( sweetmeats ) .Without ladoos any offering to lord ganesha is incomplete. The word modak is derived from two words mode meaning pleasure even when it is in a small quantity or when one sees it . When tasty sweets are offered to lord ganesha his pleasure in them is reciprocated to the devotee by way of great pleasure and happiness .

Narration in ganpati atharvashirsh whoever offers durva grass to god becomes like kuber , the God of wealth. Whoever offers rice and paddy achieves success and fame . Whoever offers a thousand ladoos to sri ganesh find fulfillment of personal desires .

Lord ganesha is known to be very fond of jaggery .In padampuran there is a story that narrates his love for ladoos .

Lord ganesha is also fond of kapittha jamun fruit on receiving the offerings of these fruits the son of uma , lord ganesha becomes happy and eliminates all kinds of sorrows , shortcomings and hindrances . I pay my respects to the feet of vighneshwar .

According to aachar bhushan lord ganesha likes all flowers except for tulsi the holy basil plant ( ocimum sanctum ) .But on ganesh chaturthi day the white tulsi flowers can be offered .

A shivling is the representation of the divine union of the male and the female energy that leads to the creation of the world. The unique iconography of shivalinga fuses these two principles.

Classification of shivlinga

The lingas are classified into six varieties depending on how they came into existence

1. Daiva lingas are those installed and worshipped by the gods and other celestial beings and thus named after them they continue to exist in the preent day and on earth but their origin is traditionally ascribed to the gods.

2. Asura lingas are those installed by the class of the titans known as asuras and daityas but were pious and jealous devotees of shiva like ravana .

3. Arsha lingas were installed and worshipped by sages of yore like agastya .

4. Purana lingas are those which have been celebrated as installed at the very distinct past by mythical personages .

5. Manusha lingas are those that have been caused to be made by human patrons ( rulers , pious, saints etc ) in hiostorical times .

6. Svayambhu lingas are the forms which shiva assumed to manifest himself . The jyotirlingas and bana lingas belong to this variety .

There is also reckoning oftheir relative merits . The lingas of the divya , purana and svayambhu varities are considered best ( uttama ) , the lingas of the asura and arsha varities are of middling quality ( madhyama ) and the lingas of the manusha variety inferior ( adhama ) .

Another classification is based on how it is made

1. Krutima ( artificial , made by hands ) .

2. Akrutima ( natural bought about bu a natural course of events ) The banalingas belong to the latter group .

3. A further classification has the structural status in focus chala ( mobile ) or jangama and 2 achala ( stationery ) or sthavara .

In the ancient scripture shiv purana the shivalingam is said to be an extension of lord shiva . Shiva is another form of mahesh the third god of hindu triad All people aspire to have a married life like that of shiva and parvati therefore the great emphasis on making offerings to them. The shivalingams are carved in stone’s, precious stones , precious metals etc .

Mercury is known as parad or para in hindi .It is also known as shivdhatu literally shiva’s metal . Religious writers have equated a shivaling made of mercury with shiva .It is said to possess divine qualities.  Whenever a deity is made ceremoniously with a combination of mercury it is said to be very effective.  It is believed that whoever offers prayers to the mercury shivling will be blessed and considered as having offered prayers to the mercury shivling will be blessed and considered as having offered prayers to all shivlings in the universe.

These blessings are equivalent to those from hundreds of ashwamedh yagyas . Giving gold in charity also does not qualify one for as many blessings.  In homes where prayers are offered regularly to mercury shivling all kinds of comforts are available. Success reigns there as shiva resides in these homes . In such places vaastu shortcomings will be overlooked.  Offering prayers every monday to shivaling can also ward off tantrik spells . In shiv mahapuran shiv has said whatever blessings are showered upon you on making offerings to million of different shilings these can be multiplied manifold when you personally offer prayers to the mercury shivling . By a mere touch of the mercury shivling one can achieve salvation.

Shiv purana on keeping mercury/ parad shivling at home and worshipping it

1. Saturn’s I’ll effects are reduced .
2. Rahu the cruel planet gets pacified .
3. Kalsarp yog in horoscope gets eradicated .
4. Physical & mental problems are removed by worshipping .
5. Financial prosperity follows wherever the shivalingam is established.
6. Chant om namaha shivaye for overall prosperity.
7. Chant the maha mritunjaya mantra for removing all health problems this is a very powerful mantra for good health .

Ramnavami pooja Before worshipping lord shri rama invoke or address tulsidasji , valmikilji , shiv ji & hanuman ji . Afterward worship lord shri rama along with sita ji and three brothers. Procedure of the pooja will remain similar to the other poojas . After panchopchar ( five step ) poojan recite rama raksha strota . One day before ramnavami i.e on ashtami after morning bath mediate on lord shri rama . Next day keep an intention of fasting and decorate your house . On the worship place draw sarvatabhadra , mandal and establish kalash in the centre according to the rituals . On the top of the kalash establish icons of lord rama , sita , and three brothers of him along with lord hanuman . Now perform shodashopchar poojan , strota path and havan

Bathing On Ramnavami Have aushadi snaan / bath take 10 gms of cardamom grains ( ilaichee ) , saathee chawal ( rice ) , khus grass , a few drops of honey , a little amaltass ( plant ) ( cassia fistula ) , a little of devadaru bark . Grind all the material to a fine powder form . Use this powder as soap

1 ) Avail services of your local temple priest to guide you for following sun worship , recite surya gayatri mantra , sri aditya stotra , surya dwadash naam stotra for you . Install surya yantra at puja place of your residence & workplace , puja of lord vishnu & lord indra . Worship of one mukhi rudraksha , two mukhi rudraksha , three mukhi rudraksha , ten mukhi rudraksha , twelve mukhi rudraksha , ganesh rudraksha . Worship of saligram form of lord rama  

2 ) Have wheat roti along with jaggery or sugar before sunset, do not consume salt

3 ) Offer copper coins in flowing water

4 ) Visit shiva temple, mountain, forests as they are abode of planet sun representing lord rama

5 ) Worship the arka plant

6 ) Feed cow with wheat & jaggery

7 ) Donate wheat , jaggery , copper , red clothes according to one’s capacity

8 ) Organize recital of the hari vansha purana

9 ) Offer red lotus flowers to the idol of lord ganpati

10 ) Recite or listen to ramastakm –

Adilakshmi Puja / For eternal wealth

Dhanyalakshmi Puja / For food , sustenance , nourishment

Dhairyalakshmi Puja / For courage and strength

GajaLakshmi Puja / For prosperity, good luck, and abundance.

Santanalakshmi Puja /Begetting children , wealth in the form of perfect children with good health and long life

Vijayalakshmi Puja / For victory in all endeavours , success in all activities during different stages in life , triumph anywhere, everywhere and at all times.

Vidyalakshmi Puja / For 16 qualities imbibed by a person through education. Education does not only mean knowledge gained from schools or colleges, but also qualities acquired from experience like serenity, absence of vanity, sincerity, adaptability, humility, nobility, magnanimity, charity, equanimity, fixity, simplicity, purity, generosity, regularity, integrity and charity.

Dhanalakshmi Puja / For material wealth, prosperity and fortune. She is also worshipped for luxury, relinquishing courage and blissful life.