The nine-day annual sojourn of Lord Jagannath and His siblings ends today as deities will return to their abode in all glory and grandeur. Catch glimpses of Bahuda Yatra from the pilgrim town Puri.
By: Devbrat Patnaik
Last updated: 12 July 2022, 04:11 PM IST
Stage is set. The majestic chariots of the Holy Trinity - Bada Thakura Balabhadra, Mahaprabhu Jagannath and Devi Subhadra - have been parked at Nakachana Dwara of Gundicha Temple for the return journey.
The grand affair of Bahuda Yatra begins with pahandi rituals of Lord Sudarshan. Lord Sudarshan is being carried by servitors to Darpadalana - the chariot of Devi Subhadra.
The atmosphere in Bada Danda (Puri Grand Road) is filled with devotion and joy as Goddess Subhadra is being escorted by the servitors in 'Dhadi Pahandi' procession to her chariot Darpadalana.
Bada Thakura Balabhadra steps out of Gundicha Temple.
Adorning the floral crown or 'Tahia', Lord Balabhadra sways and moves onto his chariot Taladhwaja in Dhadi Pahandi amid chants of Hari Bol and rhythms of traditional instruments.
Lakhs of devotees have congregated at the pilgrim town to witness the return journey of the sibling deities.
And finally, the Lord of the Universe appears.
After Goddess Subhadra and Lord Balabhadra, Mahaprabhu Jagannath was brought out of Gundicha temple in a ceremonial Pahandi procession amid chants of Hari Bol, ‘Jai Jagannath’. Blowing of conches and beating of gongs and cymbals reverberated in the air as the Lord was ushered out of Gundicha.
The ocean of faith..
Puri Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb performs 'Chhera Pahanra', a ritual of sweeping of the chariot platforms with a golden broom before chariots are pulled towards Srimandir by scores of devotees.
Ceremonial sweeping of the chariots by Puri Gajapati, who is the first servitor of Lord Jagannath.
Taladhwaja - the chariot of eldest brother Lord Balabhadra, embarks on return journey.
Darpadalana/Debadalana - The chariot of Goddess Subhadra makes its way towards the holy abode.
This is an ecstatic moment for all devotees as they experience the divinity of the Mahaprabhu Jagannath by pulling His chariot 'Nandighosa'.
The decorated palanquin of Goddess Mahalakshmi arrives near 'Shree Nahara' for the 'Lakshmi Narayana Bheta' ritual. On way back to Srimandir, after the offering of ‘Poda pitha Bhoga’, Lord Jagannatha's chariot halts in front of the palace of Gajapati Maharaja, where the ‘Lakshmi-Narayana Bheta’ ritual is held.
Bahuda Yatra culminates as Holy siblings seated on their respective chariots reach Srimandir. The chariots have been stationed outside Singhadwar of the 12th century shrine.