Bahuda Jatra: Chariots of Lord Jagannath, siblings make their way back to Srimandir in Puri

Puri: The deities made their way back to Jagannath temple today after seven-day stay at Gundicha Temple during nine-day long Ratha Jatra festival in pilgrim town Puri.

Three chariots of Lord Jagannath and his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra reached in front of Simha Dwara (main entrance) of Jagannath temple.

The chariot of Lord Balabhadra known as Taladhwaj was first pulled by lakhs of devotees, an hour before the scheduled time, from Gundicha Temple towards century-old Jagannath shrine at around 2.08 pm followed by his siblings Devi Subhadra’s chariot Darpadalan at 2.40 pm and Lord Jagannath’s Nandighosh chariot at 3 pm following all the rituals performed by Gajapati Maharaja Dibya Singh Dev and Daitas (servitors) on the chariots.

The deities were brought in Pahandi (procession) from Gundicha Temple to the chariots that were parked in front of Naka Chana dwara of the shrine at around 10.10 am.

After the deities along with Lord Sudarshan were placed on the chariots, the king performed Chhera Pahanra (sweeping floor of the chariots in a golden broom) on three chariots.

Later, the chariots were pulled amidst sound of bells and chantings reverberated the limitless horizon.

The Suna Vesha (golden attire) of the deities will be held atop the chariots tomorrow.