What is the Netra Utsav in Jagannath? Know everything about it

After Sahasradhara or Devsnan, Lord Jagannath's health deteriorates. After which the doors of the temple are kept closed for 14 days. During these 14 days, there is no darshan of Lord Jagannath and during this time the same rules apply to the Lord as apply to humans. During these 14 days, everyone takes great care of Lord Jagannath and medicines are also given to him to reduce his body temperature or fever. Massage is also done with oil prepared from special herbs to reduce body pain caused by fever. After 14 days, when the doors of the temple are opened, Netra Utsav is celebrated, in today's article we will learn about this Netra Utsav.

Before the Netra Utsav, Navakalevara takes place.
The idols of Lord Jagannath, Subhadra and Balabhadra are reinstalled in Nabakalevara. Sandalwood paste is applied on these idols and the Lord is treated with special medicines and herbs. Devotees believe that this is the time when Lord Jagannath gets a new life.

What is Netrotsav?
After 14 days, the doors of the temple are opened on the 15th i.e. Pratipada Tithi of Shukla Paksha of Ashadh month. Netrotsav is specially celebrated on the occasion of opening of this door and darshan of the Lord. In this Netra Utsav method, new eyes are provided to Lord Jagannath, Subhadra and Balabhadra, after which all the devotees and devotees get the first darshan of the Lord. After the Netra Utsav, the celebration of Jagannath Rath Yatra starts all over the world. In the grand celebration of this Rath Yatra, huge and grand chariots are made for Lord Jagannath, Subhadra and Balabhadra. The chariot is taken out of the temple and the three deities are taken on a journey. This huge chariot of Lord Jagannath, Subhadra and Balabhadra is pulled by a crowd of devotees.

When will Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024 start?
This year the Jagannath Rath Yatra will start on July 7 and end on July 16. Let us tell you that the Jagannath Rath Yatra starts every year on the second day of the Shukla Paksha of the Ashadh month. In this Rath Yatra, Lord Jagannath, Subhadra and Balabhadra ride on a chariot and go to their aunt's house, Gundicha Temple.