Ahmedabad Jagannath Temple

Address

Ahmedabad Jagannath Temple,

O/S Jamalpur Gate, Jamalpur,

Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380022

Moolavar

Jagannath

Introduction

• Location: The Jagannath Temple is situated in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, and is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
• Famous Festival: The temple is renowned for its annual Rath Yatra, which is the third-largest chariot festival in India, following the ones in Puri and Kolkata. The temple is open daily from 04:30 AM to 01:00 PM and 03:00 PM to 09:00 PM, attracting thousands of devotees throughout the year.

Puranic Significance:

• The temple has also been at the center of historical events. On 18 September 1969, a violent clash occurred during the Urs festival of the local Muslim community near the temple. The incident started when sadhus from the Jagannath temple attempted to bring their cows back through crowded streets, resulting in some Muslims getting injured and leading to tensions. Despite the initial conflict, Sevadasji, the temple’s mahant, ended his protest after a Muslim delegation apologized, showing efforts towards reconciliation.
• Unfortunately, the situation escalated when a nearby dargah (Muslim shrine) was damaged, leading to further attacks and violence in the area. The incident highlighted the fragile communal tensions but also the potential for dialogue and peace.

Special Features:

• Rath Yatra: The most prominent event at the temple is the annual Rath Yatra, coinciding with the famous festival in Puri. The Rath Yatra features Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra, who are paraded through the city on a grand chariot. According to tradition, the procession begins with elephants getting the first glimpse of the deities, symbolizing reverence.
  • Chief Minister’s Role: A unique feature of the Ahmedabad Rath Yatra is the ‘Pahind Vidhi’, where the Chief Minister of Gujarat performs the symbolic cleaning of the path for the chariot.
  • Procession: The Rath Yatra covers a distance of 14 kilometers, passing through various parts of Ahmedabad, and halts at Saraspur for a grand feast known as ‘Maha Bhoj’, where devotees offer meals to the entire entourage.
  • Significance: The Ahmedabad Rath Yatra is a significant public festival in Gujarat, celebrated with grandeur and devotion, uniting people from various backgrounds.

Festivals

Rath Yatra festival

Century/Period

On 18 September 1969

Nearest Bus Station

Ahmedabad 

Nearest Railway Station

Ahmedabad 

Nearest Airport

Ahmedabad 

Location on Map

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