The divine chariots of Lord Jagannath and His sibling deities, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, will return to the Shree Mandir today, capping off a nine-day visit to the Shree Gundicha Temple that began with the Trinity’s world-famous Rath Yatra.
According to sources, the district administration has made elaborate plans for the Trinity’s ‘Bahuda Yatra’ to run smoothly, with rigorous security measures in place to safeguard devotees’ safety.
The times of the heavenly yatra have been set according to tradition. After all rites are completed, the goddesses’ ‘Pahandi’ will be removed at midday. Once the deities are placed on top of the chariot, the hauling of the chariots will begin, which is slated to start at 4 p.m.
After the sacred chariots are drawn to the Shree Mandir, additional rituals will be performed on them in accordance with traditional practice. This is the final leg of the Bahuda Yatra, with the deities returning to their hallowed dwelling surrounded by the faithful’s devotion and enthusiasm.
Given the large number of ardent devotees expected to attend the big festival of the Holy Trinity, the district administration has made adequate security precautions. Traffic and parking facilities have been carefully planned to avoid overcrowding.
During the Bahuda Yatra, the majestic chariots will make a brief stop at the Mausima Temple or the Ardhasani Temple to offer the Lord and His brother deities ‘poda peetha’, Lord Jagannath’s favourite dish.