Puri: Rituals are underway for the return journey, also called as Bahuda Yatra, of sibling deities of Shree Jagannath Temple in Odisha’s Puri after the nine-day annual sojourn at Gundicha temple.
As per rituals, all deities– Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Lord Sudarshan were taken atop their respective chariots in Dhadi Pahandi (ceremonial procession) from the inner sanctum of Gundicha Temple. After that Puri Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb performed Chhera Panhara, a ceremonial sweeping of the three chariot floors with a golden broom.
Later, the pulling of chariots began on Bada Danda amidst chants of ‘Hari Bol’, blowing of conch shells and beating of cymbals.
Devotees first pulled the Taladhwaja chariot of Lord Balabhadra. Later chariots of Devi Subhadra and Lord Jagannath were pulled one after another.
Midway, the chariots took a small halt in front of Ardhasini Temple, also known as Mausi Maa Temple, where ‘Poda Pitha’ were offered to the deities.
Poda Pitha is prepared under the supervision of Bishwanath Mishra, the chief servitor of the temple of Maa Ardhaswasini, known as the deities’ aunt. The sweet dish is made from milk, chhena (cottage cheese), wheat flour, jaggery, cloves, ghee, and cardamom. The dough is then cut and fried in ghee.
There is an interesting history behind the making of this particular poda pitha. Legend has it that a river called Malini was flowing between Srimandir and Gundicha Temple. As a result, six chariots were built. The sibling deities rode in three large chariots from Jagannath Temple to Mausi Maa Temple, from where they were shifted to a boat and then taken to Gundicha Temple in the other three chariots.
Due to the high water level in the river, the servitors faced problems while crossing it. The deities’ aunt understood the hardships of the servitors and was instrumental in drying up the river for the smooth conduct of the festival.
To express His gratitude, Lord Jagannath then promised to stop by her temple and accept ‘Poda Pitha’ during the Bahuda Yatra.
