TV
The holy town of Puri on Saturday evening witnessed the divine return of the Lords as part of the Bahuda Yatra. As the majestic procession neared its final leg, Lord Balabhadra’s chariot, Taladhwaja, reached the Srimandir, followed by Devi Subhadra’s Darpadalana.
Lord Jagannath’s Nandighosa was closely behind after the customary halt at Mausi Maa Temple. The city of Puri remained engulfed in devotional fervour as devotees witnessed Lord Jagannath’s return to the Singhadwar of Srimandir.
The Rath Yatra represents the sojourn of Lord Jagannath from His temple in Srimandir to His maternal aunt’s abode at Gundicha Temple. The Bahuda Yatra marks His return, filled with rituals that reflect our centuries-old faith.
As per the customs, the Lord halts at the Mausi Maa Temple, symbolizing a visit to His mother’s sister. There, the deity is offered Poda Pitha, a traditional delicacy, before proceeding to the main temple. This custom is not just a ritual, but a celebration of divine kinship.
The final leg of the Rath Yatra also includes elaborate rituals before the Lord re-enters His sanctum. Before re-entering the temple, Lord Jagannath is adorned with golden attire, as a part of the Suna Besha ritual, and grants darshan to the devotees. The grandeur of this ritual is keenly awaited by the devotees across the globe.
Niladri Bije is the concluding ritual of the festival. On this day, Goddess Lakshmi symbolically expresses displeasure over Lord Jagannath’s extended stay away. She closes the temple doors on Him. To appease her, the Lord offers Rasagola a gesture reflecting both divine love and reconciliation.
The final ritual includes a sacred exchange of Sanskrit chants between the temple priests of Lord Jagannath and Goddess Lakshmi before the Lord is ceremoniously welcomed back into the Srimandir.
