Lord Jagannaths return journey from Sri Gundicha Temple gets underway

Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Sri Balabhadra and his sister Devi Subhadra are about to beginn their return journey to Puri from the Sri Gundicha Temple after a nine day stay.

Puri (Orissa), July 24 : Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Sri Balabhadra and his sister Devi Subhadra are about to beginn their return journey to Puri from the Sri Gundicha Temple after a nine day stay.

According to Sri Gundicha Temple sources, the world famous 'Bahuda' or Return Rath Yatra will commence betwee 12 and 12.30 p.m., and will be witnessed by thousands of devotees.

Servitors are now performing the customary morning rituals for the three presiding deities in Sri Gundicha temple. The carrying out procession or 'Pahandi' is scheduled to be performed between 12 noon to 2.30 p.m.

After that, the chariot pulling will be done by devotees. Three chariots have been kept ready in front of the Sri Gundicha temple, and the journey could take up to six hours.

Security has been beefed up in and around the town of Puri to maintain law and order during the event.

The Jagannath Temple is one of the four sacred Dhams of the Hindu religion. It is dedicated to the Lord of the Universe and its name is actually a combination of two words - Jag meaning universe and Nath meaning lord.

Built in the 12th century, it is considered one of the tallest temples in India. Built in the Kalinga style of architecture, the temple consists of Jagmohan (hall) and the Deul (main shrine) in its front. The Nata Mandir was built in the 14th century and the Bhoga Mandir was built in the 15th century in the typical Orissa style. The provision of having meal made of the ingredients donated to the temple is a unique feature of this temple.

The Gundicha Ghar or Gundicha Temple is regarded as holy as the Jagannath Temple itself. It is considered to be the place of Lord Jagannath's aunt Gundicha.

According to the popular local belief, Lord Jagannath stays at the Gundicha Temple during the Chariot Pulling Festival of Puri.

Nine days ago, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra were ceremoniously taken in attractively caparisoned wooden chariots from the Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple. At the garden house, their aunt welcomes them by feeding them padoapitha (specially baked rice cakes). This event is an important part of the famous Rath yatra festival of Puri.

ANI