Puri, Jul 21: The sacred Agyan Mala Bije ritual was performed on Tuesday, marking the commencement of Dakshina Moda, the ceremonial southward turning of the three Rath Yatra chariots ahead of the Bahuda Yatra, the return journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Sudarshan to the Shree Jagannath Temple.

The Dakshina Moda ritual is observed a day after the Hera Panchami ceremony, which falls on the fifth day of the Rath Yatra. It signifies the preparation of the three chariots for the deities' journey back to the Srimandir.

Since their arrival at Saradhabali on Rath Yatra day, the chariots remain stationed in front of the Gundicha Temple, facing north. Before the return procession, they must be turned southwards to face the Jagannath Temple, giving the ritual its name, Dakshina Moda (southward turn).

As part of the tradition, three Pujapanda servitors carry the Agyan Mala—the sacred garland symbolising the Lords' consent—from the deities to the chariots. The garland authorises the ceremonial turning of the chariots.

Following established rituals, Darpadalana, the chariot of Devi Subhadra, is turned first, followed by Taladhwaja, the chariot of Lord Balabhadra, and finally Nandighosha, the chariot of Lord Jagannath.

After the ritual, all three chariots are positioned near the Nakachana Dwara, the eastern gate of the Gundicha Temple, where they remain ready for the Bahuda Yatra, the grand return journey of the sibling deities to their abode at the Shree Jagannath Temple.