Puri, July 5(OT Webdesk): The coastal town of Puri once again pulsed with devotion and tradition as Lord Jagannath, along with Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, returned from the Gundicha Temple to the Jagannath Temple during the annual Bahuda Yatra—the return leg of the Rath Yatra.
After a nine-day stay at the Mausi Maa temple, the three deities began their majestic return, with thousands of devotees accompanying the divine procession.
The ceremonial Pahandi Bije was conducted on Saturday, followed by the sacred Chera Pahanra, where the Gajapati King swept the chariots in a mark of humility and service.
The chariots arrived at Singhadwara, the Lion’s Gate of the Jagannath Temple, in the following order:
- Taladhwaja, carrying Lord Balabhadr, arrived first
- Followed by Darpadalana carrying Devi Subhadra
- Concluding with Nandighosa, the chariot of Lord Jagannath
By 9:30 PM, all three chariots were stationed before the temple, where throngs of devotees gathered to witness the divine sight and offer prayers.
The rituals will continue on Sunday with the spectacular Sunabesha ceremony, where the deities will be adorned in gold ornaments.
This will be followed by Adharapana Niti on Monday and culminate with Niladri Bije on Tuesday, marking the return of Lord Jagannath to the sanctum sanctorum.
Puri remains drenched in spiritual fervour, as ancient tradition meets the undying devotion of the masses.