The holy town city of Puri has commenced preparations for the Bahuda Yatra, the return journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Chakraraj Sudarshan from the Gundicha Temple to the Shree Jagannath Temple.
Following the completion of the Hera Panchami rituals on Tuesday night, the process of turning the three chariots southward began on Wednesday, marking a significant step in the Rath Yatra festivities.
As per tradition, the chariots of Devi Subhadra (Darpadalan) and Lord Balabhadra (Taladhwaja) were pulled towards Sharadhabali near the Gundicha Temple and turned southward on Wednesday afternoon, starting at 2 PM after the Ajnya Mala ritual. However, due to heavy rainfall and darkness, the chariot of Lord Jagannath (Nandighosa) could not be turned on Wednesday.
The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration has scheduled the southward turning of Nandighosa for Thursday, July 3, at 9 AM.
The southward turning, or Dakshina Moda, is a crucial ritual where the chariots are reoriented to face the Shree Mandira for the return journey. This process, often spanning two days, involves devotees chanting, ringing bells, and singing traditional Rath Yatra songs, with servitors like Bhoi and Maharana assisting in pulling the chariots.
The ritual was overseen by key officials, including Chief Administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Dr. Arabinda Padhee, ADGP Saumendra Priyadarshi, Puri Collector Chanchal Rana, and SP Pinak Mishra. On Thursday, the chariots’ condition will be inspected by the Chief Vishwakarma, Bhoi servitors, blacksmiths, engineers, and the Rath Inspection Committee to ensure readiness for the Bahuda Yatra.
The Bahuda Yatra is set for Saturday, July 5, with the Sandhya Darshan scheduled for Friday evening, July 4. The administration, under the supervision of Mohan Sarkar, is ensuring all rituals are conducted smoothly to conclude this grand festival.
