In this year's Rath Yatra, the chariots were pulled for two days. The three deities- Mahaprabhu Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra- on Monday arrived at the Gundicha Temple in Puri. The three chariots are now parked at Saradha Bali in front of the temple.
So, during this time, let's know about the rituals performed at the Gundicha Temple:
At Gundicha Temple, the deities undergo a series of rituals. Today, they will be taken to the ‘Adapa Mandap’ in a ceremony called ‘Pahandi Bije’ by the servitors.
During their stay at Gundicha Temple, Mahaprabhu Jagannath, along with Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, receive worship and offerings similar to those at the Srimandir.
It is believed that the Holy Trinity's aunt welcomes them with a special rice delicacy called 'podapitha'.
According to tradition, when Lord Jagannath stays at Gundicha temple, the main temple kitchens stop preparing Mahaprasad.
After spending seven days at Gundicha temple, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra begin their return journey to the main temple in an event known as ‘Bahuda Yatra’.
Following this, ‘Niladri Bije’ ceremony signifies their return to the main temple, where the deities are carried from the chariots to the temple in the ‘Goti Pahandi’ procession.