Puri, July 15: After a nine-day sojourn at the Gundicha Temple, the Holy Trinity—Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Jagannath—will make their return to their abode, Srimandir in Puri, today. This return journey is called Bahuda Yatra, with 'Bahuda' meaning 'return' in Odia. A thick security cover has been deployed across Puri to ensure the smooth conduct of the Bahuda Yatra.
Bahuda Yatra is a significant part of the Ratha Yatra festival and mirrors the initial journey in reverse. During their return, the three chariots pause at the Mausima Temple, also known as Ardhasani Temple, dedicated to Lord Jagannath's aunt. On this day, the deities are offered ‘Poda Pitha’ (a special sweet made of rice, coconut, lentils, and jaggery) before commencing their journey.
The Bahuda Yatra involves numerous rituals. The day begins with Mangal Aarti around 4 a.m., followed by Tadap Lagi and Rosa Homa. These rituals take approximately 30 minutes and are succeeded by Abakash and the worship of Surya Dev. Before the yatra starts, the priests conduct the Dwarpala Puja, worshipping the gatekeepers of Lord Jagannath. This is followed by Gopal Ballav and Sakala Dhupa, which continue for about an hour, and then the Senapatalagi ritual is performed.
The three majestic chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra have taken the 'Dakhina Moda' (south turn) and are parked in front of Nakachana Dwara, the exit gate of Shree Gundicha Temple at the Saradha Bali in the pilgrim town.
The return journey adheres to the same protocol and schedule as the Ratha Yatra. The Pahandi procession will begin by noon and conclude by 2:30 p.m. Gajapati Dibyasingh Dev will perform the Chherapahanra (sweeping around the deities on the chariots with a golden broom) from about 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Following this, the chariots will be fixed with wooden horses, and devotees will be allowed to pull the chariots from 4 p.m., starting with the Taladhwaj chariot of Balabhadra, followed by Darpadalan of Devi Subhadra, and finally the Nandighosh chariot of Lord Jagannath.
Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Chief Administrator Aravind Padhi emphasised the importance of the timely performance of all rituals. Puri District Magistrate Sidharth Shankar Swain, Superintendent of Police Pinak Mishra, and senior police officers are overseeing the arrangements for the Bahuda Yatra.
According to the temple schedule, the Bahuda Yatra will be followed by the Sunavesh of the deities atop their respective chariots on 17th July. The Adharpana ritual, another significant festival, will take place on the chariots on 18th July, and finally, the deities will return to their original abode in the sanctum sanctorum of Sri Jagannath Temple on 19th July, an event popularly known as ‘Niladri Bije’.