PURI, July 2 : Preparations for the Bahuda Yatra (return car festival) of the holy Trinity of the Sri Jagannath Temple began today.
According to tradition, on the fifth day of the Rath Yatra, Mahalaxmi – the consort of Lord Jagannath – upset over being left behind during the journey to Gundicha Temple, arrived there Tuesday night in a ceremonial procession. The ritual was conducted by servitors and priests, with the goddess carried in a decorated palanquin.
Upon arrival, the procession entered the Gundicha Temple. From a distance, standing at the Jai Vijay doors of the Jagamohan, Mahalaxmi caught a glimpse of Lord Jagannath and symbolically ordered his return to the main temple.
Her Ajnamallya (divine order) was handed over to Lord Jagannath’s servitors, directing them to make arrangements for the return journey. On her way back, she ritually damaged a piece of the Nandighosh chariot of Lord Jagannath – a symbolic act steeped in tradition.
Today, the chariots – starting with Darpadalan of Devi Subhadra, followed by Taladhwaj of Lord Balabhadra – were skillfully pulled backwards for about 500 meters along the Badadanda (Grand Road). The chariots made a southward turn and then veered toward Nakachana Dwar, the exit gate of Gundicha Temple, popularly known as Dakshini Moda.
Devotees and police personnel together pulled the chariots and stationed them at Saradhabali,
facing the main temple. The Nandighosh chariot of Lord Jagannath will be pulled tomorrow.
The Trinity – Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra – along with Sudarshan, Ramakrushna, and Madanmohan, will board the chariots on July 5 for their return to the main
temple in the ritual known as Bahuda Yatra.
Large numbers of devotees are visiting Gundicha Temple to offer prayers. It is widely believed that having a darshan of the deities on the Adapa Mandap of the Gundicha Temple grants moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth).
Devotees are also partaking in Mahaprasad (holy food offered to the deities) within the temple premises.
(UNI)
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