Bhubaneswar: In a magnificent culmination of devotion and tradition, the three divine chariots of Bhagwan Jagannath, Bhagwan Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra reached Saradhabali, in front of the Gundicha Temple, this afternoon, marking a significant milestone in the annual Ratha Yatra festival.
The procession resumed early this morning after remaining halted on the Grand Road (Bada Danda) since yesterday evening. The movement of the chariots had been temporarily paused due to the setting sun, as per established tradition and the revised schedule by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA). Chariot pulling resumed at 9:30 AM today following the completion of all associated rituals.
ଶ୍ରୀଗୁଣ୍ଡିଚା ମନ୍ଦିର ସମ୍ମୁଖରେ ତିନି ରଥ #RathaJatra2025 #RathaYatra2025 #ShreeJagannathaDhaam pic.twitter.com/CZpyKWzQOs
— Shree Jagannatha Temple Office, Puri (@SJTA_Puri) June 28, 2025
The chariot of Bhagwan Balabhadra, Taladhwaja, was the first to roll forward, followed by Devi Subhadra’s chariot Darpadalan, and finally Bhagwan Jagannath’s majestic chariot Nandighosha. By 1:10 PM, all three chariots had successfully arrived at Saradhabali, near the Gundicha Temple. At this sacred destination, the deities would reside for the next few days during their annual sojourn.
This symbolic journey marks the reunion of the Bhagwan with his devotees. It is considered one of the most auspicious events in the Hindu calendar. The spectacle of the chariots moving through the sea of devotees transforms Puri into a vibrant hub of spiritual fervour, drawing lakhs of pilgrims and visitors from across India and the world.
Today, the rituals and offerings for the deities are being performed on the chariots themselves. The much-awaited Chaturdha Murti, comprising Bhagwan Jagannath, Bhagwan Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Bhagwan Sudarshan will ceremoniously enter the sanctum of the Gundicha Temple tomorrow during the traditional Adapa Mandapa rituals.
A special Goti Pahandi procession is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon, wherein the deities will be taken from their respective chariots into the temple and placed on the Janmabedi (birthplace platform). This ceremonial movement is a major attraction for devotees, who consider witnessing it to be highly meritorious.
From Monday onwards, devotees will be able to have the sacred Adapa Mandapa Darshan, an auspicious viewing of the deities on the elevated platform inside the Gundicha Temple. As per scriptures, this darshan is believed to be equivalent to ten darshans at the main Jagannath Temple in Nilachala. During this period, devotees also partake in Adapa Abhada, the Mahaprasad offered at the Gundicha Temple.
The Ratha Yatra, deeply embedded in the spiritual and cultural ethos of Odisha, represents not just a religious event but a powerful expression of collective faith and devotion. The sight of the divine siblings on their grand chariots, the rhythmic chants of “Jai Jagannath”, and the sea of humanity pulling the sacred ropes together echo the spiritual unity and emotional bond shared between the Bhagwan and His devotees.
As the deities now rest in the sanctified premises of the Gundicha Temple, the atmosphere in Puri remains electrified with joy and divine grace. Further rituals and festivities will continue over the next few days as part of the 11-day-long Ratha Yatra celebration.
