Why is Khichdi offered to Lord Jagannath?

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024: The four Dhamas are considered very important in Sanatan Dharma. It is said that the person who visits these four Dhamas, all his wishes are fulfilled. Even after death, the person attains salvation. One of the important Dhamas among the four Dhamas is Jagannath Puri. It is located in Puri, Odisha. It is a historical seaside city.

This holy place is very famous for its beauty and architecture. Lord Jagannath, sister Subhadra and brother Balabhadra are worshipped here. Puri is also known as 'Purushottam Kshetra' and 'Shri Kshetra'. In the Puranas, Jagannath Dham is also called Vaikuntha i.e. heaven. Now soon the Rath Yatra of Jagannathji is going to start.
It is starting from 7th July. It is believed that during this time, Khichdi is offered to Lord Jagannath. Let us know in detail from astrologer Pandit Arvind Tripathi why Khichdi is offered to Lord Jagannath.

Why is Khichdi offered to Lord Jagannath?
According to mythological belief, it is said that a poor woman named 'Karma Bai' was an ardent devotee of Lord Jagannath. She used to make rice and urad khichdi in her house every day and offer it to the Lord. Lord Jagannath liked the khichdi made by her so much that he left 56 offerings in the temple itself and came to that poor woman's house to eat khichdi. One day the priests there came to know that Lord Jagannath is not accepting our food, so they went to a poor woman's house and ate khichdi. So all the Pandits and people there reached that woman's house.

Then he said that we also want to eat the Khichdi made by you. After this, Khichdi was served to everyone. Slowly everyone ate the Khichdi. Then he was stunned. He had never cooked such good Khichdi. Then a devotee said that Lord Jagannath does not like expensive things and 56 sacrifices. He accepts the offerings only after seeing the sentiments, devotion and love of the devotees. Since then, all the devotees started making Khichdi for Lord Jagannath with true heart and love and offering it to him.

What is the astrological significance of Khichdi?
In astrology, Khichdi symbolizes the change in the position of the planets. Khichdi is made from rice and lentils, which represent the Moon and the planet Jupiter. It is believed that absorbing the energy of these planets strengthens the position of the planets in the horoscope and brings positive changes in life. Apart from this, Lord Jagannath also likes Khichdi very much.