Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: Why is it mandatory to change the flag in Jagannath temple? One day's mistake can cause misfortune..

Why is the flag changed every day in Jagannath temple: Puri's Jagannath Yatra is counted among the most sacred and famous religious pilgrimages of India. This journey starts every year from the second day of Shukla Paksha of Ashadh month and continues till the Dashami date. This year this journey will start on 27 June and will conclude on 5 July.

Devotees believe that participating in this journey and seeing Lord Jagannath removes the hardships of life. It is believed that the person who participates in this journey with a true heart not only gets peace and happiness but also gets salvation after death. Many interesting stories and traditions are associated with the Jagannath temple. This tradition also includes changing the flag on the top of the temple. The flag of the Jagannath temple is not just an object, but a great tradition associated with faith, mystery, and devotion. Let us know about it in detail. Prasad never falls short in the miraculous kitchen of the Jagannath Puri temple and why are the idols of God incomplete?

Why is the flag changed every day?

The flag is changed every evening on the main peak of the Shri Jagannath Temple in Puri. This is not a normal process but is considered a religious necessity. There is a mythological belief that if the flag is not changed on any day, the temple will automatically close for 18 years. The belief behind this belief is that the presence of Lord Jagannath and his grace spreads towards the sky through the flag. If this flag becomes old, torn, or absent, then that divine energy gets obstructed. Therefore, it is necessary to change it every day before sunset.

Direction of the flag and natural mystery
The flag of Shri Jagannath Temple holds a unique mystery in itself, it always flutters opposite to the direction of the wind. Generally, in coastal areas, the wind blows from the sea towards the land, but in Puri, this rule is reversed. Here the wind blows from the land towards the sea. The surprising thing is that the flag of the temple flutters in the opposite direction of these natural winds, which has not been understood from the scientific point of view till now. This mystery is a challenge for science to date, but for the devotees, it is proof of the supernatural power of Lord Jagannath.

800 years old tradition of service

The task of changing the flag is not of any ordinary person but is the special responsibility of the Chola family of Puri. This family has been performing this service continuously for the last 800 years. This service is not considered a common religious duty, rather it is a symbol of devotion towards God, courage, and impeccable tradition. Climbing to the peak of the temple, without any safety equipment or machine, and hoisting the flag at a height of hundreds of feet every day is a very difficult task. This family performs this risky service with devotion, due to which this tradition is still alive today.

God's dream and the origin of the tradition

There is a mythological story behind the tradition of changing the flag every day. It is said that once Lord Jagannath appeared in the dream of the temple servants and indicated that his flag on the temple was old and torn. When the servants noticed the next morning, the flag was actually in a dilapidated state. This incident was considered a warning from the Lord and from then on it was decided that from now on a new flag would be offered every day. This is how this tradition began, which remains intact even today.

Religious and spiritual significance of the flag
The flag is considered not just a symbolic flag, but a sign of the living presence of God. It flutters on the peak of the temple and not only conveys the message of God's power towards the sky but also provides an opportunity to devotees to have darshan from a distance. It is believed that the old flag absorbs negative energy. When it is removed and a new flag is installed, positivity, divinity and spiritual energy is transmitted in the environment. The flag is believed to contain the brilliance, strength and blessings of God.

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