Puri: July 22: Today is Bahuda Yatra, the Return Journey of the three chariots to Jagannath Temple. It’s great day for the devotees of Lord Jagannath. Lakhs of people have thronged to Puri to see the Yatra of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra. Since last 48 hours around, it’s raining in Odisha. But, it could not prevent the devotees to see their Lord on Bada Danda. This Yatra is very much important for the people of the state as it is the day, Trinity will come back from Janma Bedi to Ratna Bedi.
On this auspicious day the, Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Lord Balabhadra and their sister Devi Subhadra wrap up their annual nine-day sojourn to Sri Gundicha Temple, their birth place and return to Srimandir riding their three majestic wooden chariots.
As informed Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), the Senapata ritual will be performed till 11 am and Bahuda Pahandi from 12 am till 2.30 pm. The Puri Gajapati will perform the Chhera Panhara rituals from 2.30 pm till 3.30 pm and further Devotees will pull the colourfully decorated chariots for the return journey at 4 pm, informed SJTA.
Bahuda Pahandi has already completed and the divine siblings have already taken to their chariots in an elaborate ritual called ‘Pahandi’ with the beating of gongs, cymbals and blowing of conch shells.
Further, Gajapati Maharaj Dibyasingha Deb would perform the ‘Chhera Panhara’ rituals where he will be offering prayers to the deities and then sweep the chariots with a golden broom and sprinkle flowers and fragrant water.
The chariots will then be pulled by the devotees on Bada Danda, the grand avenue leading to the Sri Jagannath temple up to the Singhadwara.
During the return journey, the three chariots will stop for a while at the Mausi Ma Temple, also known as Ardhasani Temple. This temple is dedicated to the aunt of Lord Jagannath. Here, three deities will be offered Poda Pitha, a special sweet made of rice, coconut, lentils and jaggery. After taking Poda Pitha, three deities will again start their journey towards the Temple. Again, the chariot of Lord Jagannath will make a halt near the King’s Palace and finally will move towards Temple.
