Jagannath Rath Yatra is one of the most auspicious festivals among Hindus, and it is celebrated in Odisha’s Puri state. The festival is celebrated with great pomp and shows all across the state and the country. Devotees flock to Odisha to witness the glimpse of Lord Jagannath. Rath Yatra 2024 will take place on July 7 on the Dwitiya Paksha in the month of Ashada. Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabadra, and his sister Subhadra will start their journey from the Jagannath Temple in three sacred chariots and end at Gundicha Temple. During the festival, the three deities dress in new clothes, smeared with sandalwood and are offered garland of flowers. The temple is also decorated with flowers, rangolis and light. Lord Jagannath is offered Chappan bhog, which is then given to devotees as prasad. We are aware that Lord Jagannath’s favourite food is Chhena Poda, but do you know his favourite fruit? Read the article below to learn about Lord Jagannath’s favourite fruit and its connection.

What Is Lord Jagannath’s Favourite Fruit?

According to mythological beliefs, the favourite fruit of Lord Jagannath is jackfruit. Owing to this, he is often regarded as ‘Jagannath, the jackfruit thief.”

Mythological Legend on Lord Jagannath and Jackfruit

There is a mythological story behind the connection between Lord Jagannath and jackfruit. Mythological legends narrate that Raghudas, who lived in Simha Dwaaram in a small hut, was a faithful devotee of Lord Jagannath. One night, Jagannath appeared in Raghudas’ dream, expressing a desire to eat jackfruit. Raghudas, lacking the fruit, offered to procure it from his neighbours. However, Jagannath insisted he preferred to steal and eat it, recounting how he found greater joy in pilfering butter from others’ homes despite his mother Yashoda’s generous feedings. They then decided to steal from the King’s garden.

Jagannath instructed Raghudas to climb the tree, cut the fruit, and toss it down. As Raghudas did so, Jagannath vanished, leaving Raghudas alone. Caught by the King’s soldiers, Raghudas explained his actions, prompting the King to send all the jackfruits to Jagannath's temple in reverence.

The tale of Lord Jagannath's fondness for jackfruit is a captivating blend of devotion, myth, and divine playfulness. It underscores the intimate bond between the deity and his devotees, illustrating how even the simplest desires of the Lord are fulfilled with love and reverence.

The annual Jagannath Rath Yatra celebrates this unique connection and brings together millions of devotees to witness the grandeur and spirituality of the festival. As the deities embark on their sacred journey, the tale of Jagannath and the jackfruit continues to be a cherished legend, enriching Odisha's cultural and religious tapestry and the broader Hindu tradition.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 05, 2024 04:31 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).