Two chariots reach destination, Lord Jagannath resumes tomorrow

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

Puri, Jul 16 (UNI): The chariots of Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra reached their destination, the Gundicha temple, before sunset today.

However, the pulling of the chariot of Lord Jagannath was abandoned midway for the day due to poor light. The pulling would resume tomorrow morning.

An estimated 8 lakh devotees from various parts of the country and scores of foreigners witnessed the annual rath yatra today as the Lord of the universe Jagannath along with his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Devi Subhadra began a nine-day sojourn to Gundicha temple on their chariots. On the way to Mausima temple they tasted the famous "Podapitha", a special sweet dish.

Pilgrims jostled among themshelves to have glimpse of the Lords as they came out of the temple in Pahandi.

Chanting of slokas, bhajans and kirtans rent the air as the Lord of the universe came out in grand style.

Typical swinging of floral tiaras of the Lord during the galloping gaity of the deities in Pahandi captivated the devotees.

The Odissi dancers swaying to the tunes of Ghantas, drums, blowing of conch and trumpets presented a serene and celestial atmosphere.

The display of acrobatic and martial art skills by the local youth of Jagaghars particularly the ''Banati'' made the journey more attractive. Lakhs of devotees, who were waiting since morning braving the scorching heat of the sun were charmed as soon as the Jagannath came out of the main temple.

The Pahandi began at about 9.50 and was completed by 1210 hours.

The Gajapati Divyasingh Deo conducted Chherapahanra (sweeping of the rathas by a gold broom by the king) of the three rathas before the pulling of the ratha began. The elder brother Balabhadra on his ratha Taladhwaja started the journey at 1530 hours followed by sister Subhadra on her Darpadalan at 1644 hours and in the last came the Lord of the universe Jagannath on his Nandighosh at 1720 hours.

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