Puri: Bahuda Yatra, the homecoming of the Trinity from Gundicha Temple to Srimandir on their chariots concluded ahead of schedule today.
The three chariots Taladhwaja (Lord Balabhadra), Debadalana (Goddess Subhadra) & Nandighosa (Lord Jagannath), returned to Srimandir pulled by a sea of revering devotees marking the end to the nine-day sojourn of the Lord and his siblings to their aunt’s place - Gundicha temple.
The rituals began early as the Pahandi of the Trinity started one and a half hours ahead of schedule.
At around 12:55 PM Puri King Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb carried out the ‘Chhera Pahanra’ ritual following which the Taladhwaja began its retreat towards Srimandir at 2:08 PM. Debadalana began its journey at 2:30 PM followed by Nandighosa at 3:00 PM.
On their way, the Trinity made a brief halt at the ‘Mausi Maa’ temple to taste the ‘Poda Pitha’ following which the three chariots resumed their journey towards the Srimandir.
Keeping in mind the huge turnout of devotees, the Police administration had deployed around 100 platoons of force. For traffic management, 36 platoons were deployed.
“We have replicated the police arrangements of Rath Yatra for the Bahuda Yatra as well for traffic, security, darshan and chariot pulling,” said IG Central Range, Soumendra Priyadarshi.
With the conclusion of Bahuda Yatra, all preparations are being put in place for the ‘Sunabesha' ritual of the Lords tomorrow.
Also Read: Rath Yatra 2017: Suna Besha of Trinity today
“I hope that the weather remains as conducive as today so that the Sunabesha ritual tomorrow can be completed on time,” said Jagannath Swain Mohapatra, the chief Badagrahi of Lord Jagannath.