Rath Yatra 2024: What is Dakshina Moda ritual of three chariots in Puri

On the sixth day of the annual sojourn of the Holy Trinity-Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Lord Jagannath-Dakshina Moda ritual is observed in Puri, marking the beginning of the ‘Bahuda Yatra, the return journey of sibling deities to their abode, Srimandir. 

On the fifth day of Rath Yatra, the ‘Hera Panchami’ ritual is observed. The next day, the three chariots are prepared for the ‘Bahuda Yatra’. 

Since their arrival at Saradhabali on Rath Yatra day, the three chariots are parked in front of Gundicha temple facing north. For the return journey, the chariots are required to be turned towards Jagannath Temple in the south. So the ritual gets its name ‘Dakshina Moda or southward turn. 

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As per the tradition, three Pujapanda servitors with Agyan Mala or 'garland of consent' of the Lords arrive at the chariots to perform the ritual. Of the three chariots, Darpadalana, the chariot of Goddess Subhadra, is first turned towards the south, followed by Lord Balabhadra’s Taladhwaja and Lord Jagannath’s Nandighosha. 

The chariots are then kept near Nakachana Dwara, the eastern gate of Gundicha Temple, ready for the sibling deities’ return journey.