The three majestic chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra have successfully completed the Dakshina Moda ritual at Saradhabali, turning southward ahead of the grand Bahuda Yatra.
The process began on Tuesday but was disrupted by heavy rainfall. While Devi Subhadra’s Devadalana chariot was turned and positioned near the Nakachana Dwara of Gundicha Temple on Tuesday, the turning of Lord Balabhadra’s Taladhwaja and Lord Jagannath’s Nandighosa chariots had to be postponed.
On Wednesday morning, the Taladhwaja chariot was turned southward, followed by Nandighosa, which was also moved towards the Nakachana Dwara. With all three chariots now facing south, technical inspections will be carried out shortly.
Due to continuous rainfall, the chariots are currently standing in waterlogged conditions at Saradhabali. Authorities have placed them under tight security with barricading and a strong police cordon to ensure smooth proceedings.
The Dakshina Moda ritual is a key preparatory step before the Bahuda Yatra, when the deities return from Gundicha Temple to the Shree Jagannath Temple. Despite weather challenges, the rituals were completed successfully, reaffirming the devotion and discipline of servitors and temple administration.
The Bahuda Jatra, the return journey of the deities, is scheduled for July 24, drawing lakhs of devotees to witness the divine spectacle on Puri’s Grand Road.
