Puri: Lakhs of devotees flocked to the pilgrim town of Puri in Odisha today to witness Lord Jagannath and His siblings Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra’s return journey from the Gundicha Temple to the Shree Jagannath Temple.
Return Car Festival Live from Puri | ବାହୁଡା ଯାତ୍ରା | Shree Jagannath Bahuda Yatra 2023
The ‘Mangal Alati’ rite was performed this morning about 4 a.m., after which they would be carried to their respective chariots in ‘Pahandi’ processions. Gajapati Maharaja of Puri will execute the ‘Chhera Pahanra’ rite on the three chariots once the deities have been seated on their respective chariots. The chariots will be drawn toward the Srimandir when the Chhera Pahanra rite is completed.
Pahandi of the deities was taking place according to rituals while the idols were being taken to their respective chariots by the servitors.
Devotees will pull the three chariots towards the Shree Jagannath Temple when the Chhera Pahanra rite is completed.
According to the Hindu calendar, Bahuda Jatra is conducted on the ninth day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashadha. It has the same significance as Ratha Jatra, when deities travel to their dwelling Srimandir after spending seven days at their birthplace Gundicha Temple.
During the Bahuda Yatra, the three chariots will make a brief stop at the Mausima Temple or the Ardhasani Temple, both of which are dedicated to Lord Jagannath’s aunt. The Lord and His siblings would be served ‘poda peetha’, Lord Jagannath’s favorite delicacy.