Rath Yatra 2025: Three majestic chariots reach Gundicha Temple in Puri in grand procession

In a vibrant display of devotion and tradition, the three majestic chariots of the Rath Yatra festival successfully reached the Gundicha Temple in Puri on Saturday.

The chariot of Lord Balabhadra- Taladhwaja, led the procession, followed by the chariot of Goddess Subhadra- Darpadalana, and finally, the grand chariot of Lord Jagannath- Nandighosha.

The movement of the chariots, which had been stalled on the Bada Danda (Grand Road) since yesterday, resumed early this morning after the completion of all the rituals. Taladhwaja began rolling at around 9:45 AM, followed by Darpadalana and Nandighosha.

By 1:10 PM, all the three chariots successfully reached in front of the Gundicha Temple, marking a significant milestone in the annual journey of the deities.

Today, all the associated rituals and services for the deities will be completed on the chariots themselves. Tomorrow, the 'Chaturdha Murti '(the holy trinity and Lord Sudarshan) will ceremoniously enter the sanctum of the Gundicha Temple during the Adapa Mandapa rituals.

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A special Pahandi procession popularly known as 'Goti Pahandi' will take place tomorrow afternoon, during which Lord Jagannath will enter the Janmabedi (birthplace platform). Devotees will be able to have darshan of the deities in the Adapa Mandapa from Monday onwards.

Importance of Adapa Mandapa darshan

Adapa Mandapa Darshan refers to the viewing of Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, on the Adapa Mandapa (pedestal) inside the Gundicha Temple in Puri during the Rath Yatra festival. 

This special darshan is believed to be highly auspicious, with scriptures stating that seeing the deities on the Adapa Mandapa is equivalent to ten darshans at the main Jagannath Temple in Nilachala. The deities stay at the Gundicha Temple for seven days, and during this time, devotees can have Adapa Darshan and also partake in Adapa Abhada (Mahaprasad).