Rath Yatra 2025: ‘Dakhina Moda’ ritual of Trinity's chariots today; know its significance

With the grand Rath Yatra festival halfway through, preparations have begun for Bahuda Yatra- the homecoming journey of Mahaprabhu Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra. 

As part of the ritual, all three chariots, Nandighosa, Taladhwaja, and Darpadalana, will take ‘Dakhina Moda’ on Wednesday, marking the start of ‘Bahuda’ arrangements.

The chariots are currently stationed facing north in front of the Gundicha Temple. On the occasion of Shasthi Tithi, today, the chariots will be ceremonially turned south and aligned near the Nakachana Dwara, the southern gate of the temple. 

The process, known as ‘Dakhina Moda’, is considered an important ritual in the lead-up to Bahuda Yatra, when the Lords return to Srimandir. Notably, the Bahuda Yatra of the Sibling Deities will be held on July 5. 

Meanwhile, the Hera Panchami ritual was observed on Tuesday night. In this unique ritual, Goddess Mahalaxmi, upset at being left behind at Srimandir, visited Gundicha Temple and symbolically damaged a portion of Lord Jagannath’s chariot before returning to the 12th-century shrine.

Thousands of devotees gathered at Gundicha Temple and Saradhabali to witness this divine episode.

With the Dakhina Moda scheduled for today, spiritual fervour has once again gripped the holy town of Puri ahead of the upcoming Bahuda Yatra.

Following the Bahuda Yatra, several key rituals and events take place in Puri as part of the concluding phase of the Rath Yatra festival. 

The day after Bahuda Yatra is observed as ‘Suna Besha’, when Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra are adorned with golden ornaments while seated on their respective chariots at the Lion’s Gate of the Srimandir- a spectacle that draws massive crowds. 

The next significant event is Adhara Pana, where a special sweet drink is offered to the deities on the chariots.

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Finally, the deities are ceremonially taken back into the temple in the Niladri Bije ritual, during which an emotional and symbolic exchange takes place between Lord Jagannath and Goddess Mahalaxmi, signifying reconciliation after the earlier Hera Panchami episode. These rituals mark the end of the annual Rath Yatra celebrations.