Puri: Among loud chants of Hari Bola and conchs and gongs reverberating in the air, the Pahandi rituals of Lord Sudarshan and the three deities of the Jagannath temple being carried to their respective chariots have begun for the Rath Yatra. The gorgeously decorated deities will be seated atop the chariots in which they will travel to visit their aunt at Gundicha Temple.The Pahandi began with the idol of Lord Sudarshan being escorted to Goddess Subhadra’s chariot. Soon, Lord Balabhadra was carried by the servitors from the sanctum in a grand procession playing gongs and conch, creating a gripping spiritual atmosphere.
The Pahandi of Devi Subhadra and Lord Jagannath also followed. Lord Balabhadra has been seated atop Taladhwaja. Earlier, in the morning today, the rituals began with the Mangala Alati and were followed by Mailama, Tadapalagi and Rosa Homa. Later, Abakash rituals, Surya Puja and Dwarapala puja were conducted. The deities’ decoration or Besha began at 7.30am after which the Trinity were offered Khechudi dish.
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