Puri: The chariots of the revered deities of Shree Jagannath Temple in Odisha’s Puri reached the Singhadwar of the 12th century shrine after their return journey, bringing an end to their nine-day annual sojourn.
Taladhwaja chariot of Lord Balabhadra was the first to reach the Lions’ Gate of Srimandir followed by Darpadalan chariot of Devi Subhadra. Nandighosa chariot of Lord Jagannath was the last to reach the Singhadwar.
The three chariots were pulled from Gundicha temple one after another soon around 1 pm, 3 hours ahead of the schedule, after Charamala Phita and other rituals, including ‘Chhera Panhara’ by Puri Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, were completed.
Taladhwaja chariot was pulled towards Srimandir at around 1 pm followed by Darpadalan chariot and Nandighosa chariot.
During the homeward journey, the Nadighosha of Lord Jagannath made a brief halt at Mausi Maa temple, where Poda Pitha was offered on His chariot.
Earlier in the day, the deities were escorted to their chariots from Gundicha temple through the ceremonial Pahandi procession, which commenced at around 8.20 am as Lord Sudarsan was taken to the Darpadalan chariot of Devi Subhadra. Lord Balabhadra’s Pahandi began at around 8.50 am followed by that of Devi Subhadra at 9 am. Pahandi procession of Lord Jagannath commenced at around 9.30 am.
Thousands of devotees from across the country and abroad thronged the pilgrim town to watch the Bahuda Yatra. The state government and the Puri district administration made elaborate security arrangements for smooth conduct of the festival.
After reaching the 12th-century shrine, three deities will spend the night on the chariots where all the rituals will be performed. They will appear in ‘Sunabesha’ (gold attire) for darshan of the devotees tomorrow.
After the ‘Aadhar Pana’ (a special drink) ritual on June 30, the deities will enter Jagannath Temple in ‘Niladri Bije’ which will mark the end of Rath Yatra festival, on July 1.
