With just days left for the Bahuda Yatra, the sacred southward turning of Lord Jagannath’s Nandighosha chariot—known as Dakshina Moda—was successfully performed today at Saradhabali.
This symbolic ritual signifies preparations for the return journey of the deities from Gundicha Temple to the Jagannath Temple.
Prior to this, the chariots of Taladhwaja and Darpadalana had completed their southward turns. Following the ceremonial Agnya Mala (divine approval garland), security personnel began pulling Nandighosha into its new orientation. Currently, Lord Jagannath grants darshan from Janmabedi, where devotees believe a glimpse bestows merit equivalent to a thousand births.
Large crowds have gathered at the temple premises to catch a glimpse of the Holy Trinity—Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. Meanwhile, the Puri district administration has intensified preparations for Bahuda and Suna Besha, tightening security measures in light of recent events at Shradhabali.
The stage is set for one of Odisha’s most sacred return journeys, as spiritual fervour grips the heritage city of Puri.