As Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra is set to be celebrated across the country on the second day of Ashadhi, Vadodara’s Manjalpur area will also witness the traditional festival at its unique Jagannath temple. A 20-foot-tall chariot will be pulled by children, continuing a special local tradition.
The temple, considered the only Jagannath temple in Vadodara built on the lines of the famous Puri Jagannath Temple, was established in the 1990s by Prince Ashokraj Gaikwad and Deviyani Raje Gaikwad of Dhairyaprasad Palace. Inspired by their deep devotion to Lord Jagannath, they decided to recreate the architectural style and traditions of the Odisha shrine.Built in the traditional Odisha style, the temple houses neem wood idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, similar to those in Puri.
Religious rituals are conducted by a priest from Odisha, while the temple follows Odisha’s customs for daily worship, prasad offerings and festival celebrations.