Puri: Holy City is abuzz with activity as the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), in collaboration with local authorities and police, kicks off preparations for the ‘Bahuda Jatra’ – the much-anticipated return car festival of Lord Jagannath. Just a day after the completion of the ‘Hera Panchami’ rituals, the focus has shifted entirely to ensuring a smooth and sacred journey back to the main temple.
Devotees, meanwhile, are making the most of their time, enjoying a serene ‘Darshan’ of the revered sibling deities – Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Jagannath – at the Shree Gundicha Temple. This peaceful viewing has been ongoing for three consecutive days, offering a precious opportunity for spiritual connection.
The air is thick with anticipation as preparations intensify to turn the mighty chariots southwards (‘Dakhina Moda’) in anticipation of the ‘Bahuda Jatra’ on July 5th. The three magnificent chariots – Taladhwaja (Lord Balabhadra), Darpadalan (Devi Subhadra), and Nandighosh (Lord Jagannath) – currently stand majestically at ‘Saradhabali,’ the sacred sand bed in front of Shree Gundicha Temple, a site revered as the birthplace of the deities. The turning of these colossal structures marks a significant step towards the return journey.
On-duty police personnel and a dedicated handful of servitors are meticulously working to maneuver the chariots into their precise positions. These efforts are crucial to ensure they are perfectly aligned for the grand pulling towards the 12th-century shrine during the ‘Bahuda Yatra’.
The sacred rituals are progressing swiftly. Following the ‘Sakaladhupa’ (morning food) ceremony, the pivotal moment of receiving the ‘Agyanmala’ (permission garland) from the deities took place. Madhab Pujapanda, one of the servitors who carried the ‘Agnya Mala’ from Shree Gundicha Temple to the chariots, expressed his profound satisfaction, saying, “It gives me immense satisfaction to be part of the Rath Jatra rituals.” With the arrival of these three sacred garlands, the chariots are now ready for their ‘Dakhina Moda’.
The turning sequence is steeped in tradition: first, Devi Subhadra’s Darpadalan chariot will be pulled, followed by Lord Balabhadra’s Taladhwaja, and finally, Lord Jagannath’s Nandighosh. Each will be meticulously moved to stand in front of the ‘Nakachana Dwara,’ ready for the forward pulling on July 5th.
Beyond the physical preparations, a mythical and joyous event is also underway. According to mythology, a three-day ‘Rasalila’ (fun game) commenced at Shree Gundicha Temple on Wednesday, where Lord Jagannath is believed to be performing ‘Rasalila’ with ‘Gopis’ (women followers of Lord Krishna).
Meanwhile, the recent ‘Hera Panchami’ ritual on Tuesday night added a touch of divine drama. Lord Jagannath’s consort, Maa Laxmi, arrived at Shree Gundicha Temple in a state of understandable anger and humiliation. Her displeasure stemmed from being left behind during the ‘Rath Yatra,’ while Lord Jagannath embarked on the journey with his brother Lord Balabhadra and sister Devi Subhadra. In a poignant act of divine wrath, Maa Laxmi, as per tradition, broke a portion of Lord Jagannath’s Nandighosh chariot before returning to the main temple in a ceremonial procession.
As Puri gears up for the ‘Bahuda Jatra,’ the blend of meticulous preparations, sacred rituals, and rich mythology continues to captivate devotees and visitors alike, promising another unforgettable spectacle.