Puri, July 16: The sacred Pahandi Bije ritual marked the most emotional and visually captivating phase of the annual Rath Yatra in Puri on Thursday, as Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra were ceremonially escorted from the sanctum of the 12th-century Shree Jagannath Temple and enthroned on their respective chariots, setting the stage for the world-famous chariot festival.

The ritual began ahead of schedule amid the rhythmic beats of traditional percussion and the resonating sounds of ghanta (gong) and kahali (trumpet). In the distinctive Dhadi Pahandi procession, the deities were gently swayed forward by temple servitors in a symbolic, rhythmic movement that reflects divine grace and joy.

As per tradition, Chakraraj Sudarshan, the revered divine weapon of Lord Jagannath, was the first to emerge from the temple. Sudarshan was ceremonially installed on the Darpadalana chariot of Devi Subhadra before the procession of the sibling deities commenced.

Lord Balabhadra, the elder brother of Lord Jagannath, was the first among the deities to be carried out in Pahandi and placed atop the Taladhwaja chariot. Decorated with green and red canopies, the Taladhwaja, bearing 14 wheels, symbolizes strength, righteousness and protection. The installation of Lord Balabhadra completed the first major stage of the day's sacred proceedings.

Next, Devi Subhadra was escorted from the temple and seated on the Darpadalana chariot, distinguished by its striking black and red canopy and 12 wheels. The chariot's name signifies the destruction of pride and ego, while the Goddess is worshipped as the embodiment of divine compassion, harmony and spiritual power. Sudarshan accompanies her throughout the Rath Yatra.

The final and most eagerly awaited moment came with the arrival of Lord Jagannath. Amid thunderous chants of "Jai Jagannath" and "Hari Bol," the presiding deity of the temple was ceremonially brought out in the majestic Pahandi procession and enthroned on the towering Nandighosha chariot. Adorned with a vibrant yellow and red canopy and mounted on 16 wheels, Nandighosha is the largest of the three chariots and symbolizes the Lord's universal presence and compassion for all devotees.

The successful completion of the Pahandi ritual transformed the three towering wooden chariots into moving sanctuaries, ready to carry the divine siblings on their annual journey to the Shree Gundicha Temple. For devotees, the sight of the deities seated atop their chariots represents the rare opportunity to receive the Lord's blessings outside the temple precincts, reaffirming the inclusive spirit of the Rath Yatra.

Lakhs of pilgrims from across India and abroad witnessed the sacred ritual, filling the Grand Road (Bada Danda) with devotional fervour. As the deities took their places on their respective chariots, anticipation mounted for the ceremonial Chhera Pahanra ritual by the Gajapati Maharaja, following which thousands of devotees would pull the chariots towards the Gundicha Temple, marking the beginning of the nine-day annual festival.