Puri: Lakhs of devotees from across the country and abroad thronged Odisha’s pilgrim town Puri on Monday to participate in Bahuda Yatra of Lord Jagannath and siblings for which ceremonial ‘Pahandi’ ritual was held ahead of schedule.
On the occasion of ‘Bahuda Yatra’, which marks the return journey of the Chaturdha Murti – Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, Lord Jagannath and Lord Sudarshan – from Gundicha Temple to the 12th century shrine, the pahandi rituals began at about 10.50 am.
The Pahandi ritual was scheduled to be held between 12 noon and 2.30 pm. The ceremonial procession of Lord Sudarshan was conducted by the servitors first at around 10.50 am.
This was followed by the pahandi of Lord Balabhadra, who was carried to his 44-foot chariot, Taladhwaja, positioned on Saradha Bali outside Gundicha Temple
Thereafter, the servitors carried Devi Subhadra to her chariot, Darpadalana, decked with a covering of red and black colours, symbolising Shakti.
As the pahandi ritual was underway, a non-servitors was reportedly caught from the chariot of Devi Subhadra. Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee reportedly spotted the non-servitor and dragged him out of the chariot, sources said.
As per the guidelines laid down by the temple administration, non-sevayats are not allowed to climb atop the chariots.
Finally, the pahandi of Lord Jagannath started at around 12:20 pm, with the Lord of the universe emerging from the temple in his usual style, dancing, and swinging along with servitors.
As soon as Lord Jagannath emerged, the joyous devotees burst into ecstasy and shouted “Jai Jagannath” and “Hari Bol”, singing the glory of the Mahaprabhu.
A sea of devotees surrounded the Gundicha Temple premises and Grand Road to witness the graceful procession of the Trinity and seek blessings by pulling the chariots.
At approximately 01:05 pm, Lord Jagannath climbed to the top of his 16-wheeled, tallest chariot, ‘Nandigosha’, marking the end of the Pahandi rituals and the commencement of the return journey of the chariots.
After the Trinity moved to the three majestic chariots, Chhera Panhara Niti was performed by Gajapati Maharaj Dibyasingha Deb. The Puri King performed ceremonial sweeping of the chariots with a golden broom amid sprinkling of holy water and flowers and chanting of hymns.
Devotees are now eagerly waiting to participate in chariot pulling scheduled to begin at 4 pm.
