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Jagannath Temple, PuriImage Credit source: Getty Images

Jagannath Temple Traditions: The temple of Mahaprabhu Jagannath located in Puri, Odisha is known all over the world for its miracles, unique traditions and mysteries. This year the world famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath is starting from 16th July, Thursday, which will conclude on 24th July 2026. There are many folk beliefs related to Jagannath temple which have been going on for centuries. One of these very interesting and surprising beliefs is that unmarried couples should not visit Lord Jagannath together inside the temple. Let us know what is the reason behind this and which mythological story is related to it.

What is the belief of couples not seeing each other together?

According to the folk beliefs related to Puri Jagannath temple, unmarried lovers should not visit the sanctum sanctorum of the temple together. There is a belief that if an unmarried couple gets together Lord Jagannath If someone sees, then there may be distance in their relationship or obstacles may arise in the marriage. This belief has been prevalent among the local people for generations. For this reason, many unmarried couples still respect this tradition and prefer to visit separately.

This folk tale is related to the curse of Mother Radha Rani.

According to mythology, once Radha Rani had reached Puri to have darshan of Lord Shri Krishna (Jagannath form). The priests present in the temple stopped them from going inside and said that only God and his wives can enter the temple. Hearing this, Radha Rani was very hurt and cursed that any unmarried couple who would enter the temple together, their love would never succeed. Due to this curse, even today local people and devotees follow this tradition.

Has the temple administration imposed any restrictions?

It is also important to understand that there is no legal or official restriction from the Shri Jagannath Temple administration on unmarried couples visiting together. There is no provision in the temple rules that lovers or unmarried couples cannot enter the temple together. That means it is completely a matter of faith and personal belief of the devotees. Those who believe in this belief follow it, while many devotees usually visit together.

Crowd of devotees gather during Rath Yatra

The Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath is counted among the biggest religious events in the world. During this, Lord Jagannath, elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra go to Shri Gundicha temple sitting on grand chariots. Lakhs of devotees from India and abroad reach Puri to witness this divine journey.

Disclaimer: The information given in this news is based on religious beliefs and general information. TV9 Bharatvarsha does not confirm this.

Varun Chauhan

More than a decade of experience in electronic and digital media. After doing a journalism course from Asian Academy of Film and Television (AAFT) Noida in 2008, I started my journey in media with the idea of ​​doing something different and new. Since the beginning, I have been interested in making those topics related to Indian culture and religious traditions available to the common people. During his career, he got the opportunity to work in prestigious media organizations like Channel One News, Sahara Samay, A2Z News, News Express, National Voice and Punjab Kesari Digital. While working in these institutions, I got the experience of learning news writing, field reporting, and digital content. At present, in the country's largest news network TV9 Bharatvarsha, I am fulfilling the responsibility of delivering news related to religion and faith, religious events, astrology, vastu, mythology, temple traditions and fasts and festivals to the readers in simple, easy and factual language. The coverage of Maha Kumbh 2025 is one of the important experiences of my career, where I got the opportunity to write in detail on the faith of crores of devotees, the traditions of the Akharas, the activities of the Sant Samaj and the religious and cultural aspects related to the Kumbh. Apart from this, he has also continuously written on Chardham Yatra, Sawan, Navratri, Diwali, Holi, Chhath Puja, Amarnath Yatra, Ramzan and other major religious events. I have special interest in the study of Indian culture, religious philosophy, astrology, numerology, Vastu Shastra, Puranas and folk beliefs. My endeavor is always to convey religious and spiritual topics to the readers through simple language, so that they can better understand their traditions and cultural heritage.

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