Puri: When Trinity stepped out of Srimandir, sea of devotees eagerly awaiting the most captivating moment of the Rath Jatra: Pahandi Bije, enjoyed the glimpses of GOD.
This wasn’t just a procession; it was the Lord’s heartfelt desire to step out of the sanctum sanctorum of Shree Jagannath Temple, to meet his beloved devotees, making himself accessible to all, irrespective of social standing, caste, or creed.
It truly embodied the concept of the “Lord of the Universe” coming out to bless humanity.
A thunderous symphony of ‘ghanta’ (gongs), ‘kahali’ (trumpets), and ‘telingi baja’ (drums) filled the air, mingling with the ecstatic chants of “Jai Jagannath!” and “Haribol!” from millions of devotees. The atmosphere crackled with spiritual fervor.
The ‘Dhadi Pahandi’ began in a precise and revered order of emergence:
Chakraraj Shree Sudarshan Leads the Way
First to emerge through the Singha Dwara (Lion’s Gate) was Lord Sudarshan, the divine disc and symbol of Vishnu’s energy. Being smaller and armless, he was carried on the shoulders of servitors in a reclining position, meticulously ensuring he didn’t touch the ground. His journey concluded as he was reverently placed on Devi Subhadra’s chariot, Darpadalan.
Lord Balabhadra’s Majestic Sway
Next, the elder brother, Lord Balabhadra, began his majestic procession. Due to his weight, he was “dragged” in a rhythmic, swaying motion, appearing to take large, slow steps. Servitors skillfully balanced and guided him, their movements a testament to their devotion. He was then carefully positioned on his chariot, Taladhwaja.
Devi Subhadra’s Swift Arrival
Following closely was the younger sister, Devi Subhadra. Like Lord Sudarshan, she is armless and relatively lighter, and was carried on the shoulders in a reclining position, often with a quicker, graceful pace. Devotees cheered as she was placed on her chariot, Darpadalan, beside Lord Sudarshan.
Lord Jagannath’s Grand Entrance
Finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for – the Lord of the Universe, Lord Jagannath, made his grand and regal entrance. His movement was a slow, rhythmic sway, giving the illusion of a giant elephant gracefully stepping out.
He was accompanied by vibrant traditional Odissi dancers and fervent Sankirtan groups, amplifying the devotional fervor to an incredible peak. The characteristic swaying, almost dancing movement of Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra during Pahandi was a sight to behold.
It wasn’t just carrying; it was a carefully orchestrated movement by the Daitapati servitors, who bore the deities on wooden platforms or by ropes, ensuring the idols never touched the ground directly.
The anticipation and devotion of the massive crowd reached a crescendo as he emerged. Devotees surged forward, eager to catch a glimpse, touch the chariots, or even participate in the pulling, believing it would bring immense blessings and salvation.
Lord Jagannath was then meticulously placed on his magnificent chariot, Nandighosh.
The entire Pahandi Bije was a testament to the profound faith and devotion of millions, a vibrant spectacle where the divine met humanity on the grandest stage.