Bhubaneswar: Surrounded by chants of “Jai Jagannath” and the rhythmic beats of traditional instruments, Bhagwan Jagannath, along with Bhagwan Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, reached the Lions’ Gate (Singha Dwar) of the 12th-century Srimandir in Puri today. This event marks the auspicious Bahuda Yatra, the return journey of the annual Rath Yatra.
Lakhs of devotees from Odisha, various parts of India, and abroad gathered in Puri to witness this grand spiritual occasion. Bhagwan Jagannath, along with Bhagwan Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra returned from the Srigundicha temple, where they had stayed for nine days, riding their respective chariots: Taladhwaja for Bhagwan Balabhadra, Darpadalan for Devi Subhadra, and Nandighosa for Bhagwan Jagannath.
The Taladhwaja chariot was the first to arrive at the Lions’ Gate, followed by Darpadalan, while Nandighosa was the last to reach the destination. During their return journey near the Mausi Maa temple, the deities were offered Poda Pitha, a traditional Odia delicacy.
Earlier in the day, the sibling deities were ceremonially transported from the sanctum of the Srigundicha temple to their chariots at Saradhabali through the traditional Pahandi procession. The return journey commenced after Gajapati King Dibyasingha Deb performed the Chhera Panhara ritual, a ceremonial sweeping of the chariot platforms that symbolizes humility and devotion.
ପରମ୍ପରା ଅନୁସାରେ ରଥ ଉପରେ ଶ୍ରୀ ଶ୍ରୀ ଗଜପତି ମହାରାଜାଙ୍କ ଦ୍ଵାରା ଛେରା ପହଁରା ନୀତି ସମ୍ପାଦିତ ହୋଇଛି
The customary ‘Chera Pahanra’ ritual was performed by Shri Gajapati Maharaja. pic.twitter.com/e0HXxd0XXb— Shree Jagannatha Temple, Puri (@JagannathaDhaam) July 5, 2025
The Rath Yatra festivities began on June 27 when the deities started their journey to the Srigundicha temple, making a night halt along the way before arriving at the temple on June 28. They were taken to the Adapa Mandap of the temple on June 29.
According to the schedule, the deities will be adorned in Suna Besha (golden attire) while seated on their chariots on July 6. The final ritual, Niladri Bije, which marks the return of the deities to the sanctum sanctorum of Srimandir, will occur on July 8 through another Pahandi procession.
The district administration has implemented elaborate arrangements and tight security measures to ensure the smooth conduct of the Bahuda Yatra, providing a safe and spiritually uplifting experience for all devotees.
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