Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav participated in the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Shri Jagannath organised by the Khati Samaj and ISKCON in Ujjain on Friday. Dr. Yadav joined the procession at Gopal Mandir and performed the aarti of Lord Jagannath amid chants of “Jai Jagannath”. At the Gundicha Nagar replica set up in the Kalidas Sanskrit Academy premises, the Chief Minister carried the idol of Lord Jagannath on his shoulder and ceremoniously installed it. He also offered aarti to Lord Balram and Devi Subhadra.
CM Dr. Yadav said that the Rath Yatra in Odisha was broadcasted across the globe today, and Ujjain too has been celebrating this tradition for many years. It is a matter of great fortune for all of us. The Jagannath temple in Odisha, one of the four major pilgrimage sites (Char Dham), was originally built by King Indradyumna of Ujjain.
He noted that the history of the Rath Yatra dates back thousands of years. The journey revives the memories of those unforgettable spiritual moments. The Rath Yatra organised by the Khati community sees participation from devotees and community members from far and wide, which reflects our collective devotion and spiritual spirit. The Madhya Pradesh Government has associated the Vikramaditya Research Chair with ISKCON’s Rath Yatra to spread awareness about Lord Jagannath’s divine plays and narratives. These stories emphasise the offering of sincere devotion and righteous action towards the Lord, and a prayer for His continued grace upon all.
The Chief Minister further said that Lord Shri Krishna received his education in Ujjain, and from there went on to become a world teacher. The seed of the Bhagavad Gita’s wisdom—shared with Arjuna and the world—was sown in Ujjain itself. The teachings imparted by Sage Sandipani helped illuminate the world through Lord Krishna. The chapters and verses of the Bhagavad Gita not only guide our lives but also inspire us to act with purpose.