Bhubaneswar: Completing their journey from Gundigha Temple, Lord Jagannath and his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra returned to the Lions’ Gate of the 12th century shrine in Odisha’s Puri on the occasion of Bahuda Yatra on Friday.
Lakhs of devotees from across the country and abroad converged on the Grand Road, Bada Danda, in the seaside pilgrim town as the sibling deities travelled to Shree Jagannath Temple riding three majestic chariots from Gundicha Temple, considered their birthplace.
Pulled by security personnel, devotees and volunteers, the three chariots were parked in front of the Lion’s Gate of the 12th century shrine after a 2.6-km journey.
First to reach the Singhadwara of Shree Jagannath Temple was Taladhwaja chariot of Lord Balabhadra. It was followed by the Darpadalan chariot of Devi Subhadra. Nandighosa chariot of Lord Jagannath was the last one to reach the destination.
During their return journey, the deities were offered Poda Pitha (traditional cake) on their chariots near the Mausi Maa temple as part of an age-old tradition.
Earlier in the day, the sibling deities were escorted to their chariots at Saradhabali from the Adapa Mandap of Srigundicha temple through the traditional Pahandi procession.
The deities began their return journey soon after Gajapati King Dibyasingha Deb performed the ceremonial Chhera Panhara (sweeping ritual) on the chariots in the afternoon.
Lord Jagannath and his siblings had embarked on their journey to Srigundicha temple for a nine-day sojourn by riding their chariots on the Grand Road on the occasion of Rath Yatra on July 16.
After making a night halt midway, the deities reached Saradhabali near Srigundicha temple on July 17. The deities were escorted to the Adapa Mandap of Srigundicha temple from their chariots on July 18.
According to the schedule, the sibling deities will be adorned with Suna Besha (Golden Attire) on their chariots on July 25 (Saturday). They will be offered Adhara Pana (a delicious drink) on their chariots on July 26 (Sunday).
The sibling deities will be taken back to the sanctum sanctorum of the 12th century shrine from their respective chariots in a Pahandi procession on the occasion of Niladri Bije on July 27 (Monday), marking the conclusion of the annual car festival.
