Lakhs of devotees from across the country and abroad descended on the pilgrim town of Puri
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| Photo Source: Orissa Diary |
Wrapping up their nine-day annual sojourn to their aunt''s abode, Lord Jagannath, elder brother Lord Balabhadra and their sister Devi Subhadra set off for their return journey to the 12th century shrine on three majestic wooden chariots.
Several special rituals were performed before the deities journeyed out of the Gundicha temple to the three colourfully decorated chariots for the return journey as sound of "Jai Jagannath" rent the air in the seashore town.
The three deities were taken to the chariots in an elaborate royal ritual called ''Pahandi'' to the beating of gongs, cymbals and blowing of Conch shells as devotees and sevayats jostled to have a closer look and to touch them.
Lord Jagannath was ensconced in the largest of the chariots, 45-feet high ''Nandighosh'' which has 16 huge wooden wheels. The chariot of Balabhadra was the 14-wheeled 44 feet high ''Taladhwaja'' and that of Subhadra known as ''Darpadalan'' with 12 wheels and standing 43 feet high.
Source: PTI
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