The Shri Ram Rath Yatra is an unprecedented endeavor in North America, orchestrated jointly by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of Canada. This groundbreaking journey aims to forge connections among over a thousand Hindu temples across the US and Canada. Spanning approximately 60 days, the Yatra will weave through the expansive territories of both countries, making stops at more than 850 temples in the US and 150 in Canada, covering a staggering distance of over 16,000 miles (approximately 26,000 kilometers). Its mission is to unify the various Hindu worship centers spread across these vast lands, encompassing a wide array of Sampradayas (traditions) within Hindu dharma. Moreover, the Yatra seeks to disseminate the sacred Akshat, Prasad, and blessings emanating from the Shri Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha ceremony, which was conducted in Bharat on January 22, 2024.
The Rath (chariot), actually Rath-s (plural), involves three distinct vehicles, each adorned with the Shri Ram Lalla motif. There’s one Rath designated for the US and two for Canada. Each Rath carries the murtis of Hindu deities, featuring Lord Ram, Goddess Sita, Lord Lakshman, and Lord Hanuman, and, of course, the sacred Akshat and Prasad from the Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha ceremony in Ayodhya.
The purpose of this yatra is also to outreach and connect with Multi cultural and Multi Faith communities and spread the message of Love and Peace with the concept of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam” which means Entire World is One Family and with this to reinforce the foundation of our Country- Canada that is mutual respect, love and peace among all residents of the Country.
VHP-Canada
The American segment of the Yatra commenced on Holi, March 23, 2024, at the VHPA headquarters located in Sugar Grove, a suburb of Chicago. The launch was marked by traditional rituals, including the Shankh Naad (conch shell blowing) and puja ceremonies. On its inaugural day, the Yatra managed to visit 9 temples, traversing a distance of more than 500 miles. Below is the roster of temples visited on March 23rd:
- Aurora, IL: Bala Ji Mandir, Jagannath Mandir, and Shiv Durga Hindu Mandir
- Naperville, IL: ISKCON Mandir
- Lemont, IL: Hindu Rama Mandir
- Willowbrook, IL: Chinmaya Mission
- Springfield, IL: Springfield Mandir
- Peoria, IL: Hindu Mandir Peoria
- Bloomington, IL: Hindu Mandir Bloomington
The Hindu community is buzzing with palpable excitement to connect with the Rath Yatra and receive the blessings of Shri Ram Lalla. At every temple the Rath stopped by, it was received warmly by the temple trustees, pujaris (priests), and crowds of eager devotees. In several locations, the number of devotees welcoming the Yatra participants exceeded 300.
Each visit, albeit brief—lasting less than 30 minutes—follows a strict protocol. During each stop, the murti of Shri Ram Lalla is ceremoniously installed for the duration of the visit. The puja, following the exact guidelines set by the Shri Ram Janam Bhoomi Trustees in Bharat, is performed meticulously. Akshat and Prasad are then shared with the temple for distribution among its devotees. In recognition of their involvement in these significant celebrations, each temple receives an official certificate and a 2’X3′ portrait of Shri Ram Lalla. Soon after, the journey promptly continues towards the next destination.
The Canadian segment of the Yatra is scheduled to commence on Monday, March 25, 2024, in Toronto, Ontario. Over the next several weeks, it will cover the extensive network of Hindu temples in the Greater Toronto Area before splitting into two directions: one branch heading east towards Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, and the other moving westward towards British Columbia, visiting other provinces en route. The Canadian contingent plans to visit over 150 temples nationwide, journeying more than 8,000 miles or 13,000 kilometers from coast to coast.
For more details, visit:
Press Release provided by VHP-CANADA
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