Puri, July 12: As preparations for the Bahuda Yatra, the return journey of Lord Jagannath and His siblings, commence in Puri, the 'Dakshina Moda' ritual, marking the southward turn of the three gigantic chariots parked outside the Gundicha Temple, is set to take place on Friday.
According to the rituals, the chariots will be pulled and positioned near Nakachana Dwara, the eastern gate of Gundicha Temple, after the servitors bring the 'Agnya Mala' (divine approval) following the Sakala Dhupa ceremony. Security personnel and sevayats will pull the chariots from the Lions Gate of the Gundicha Temple to the Nakachana Gate.
Thousands of devotees gather to witness the Dakshina Moda ritual, where the three massive chariots are turned southwards, marking the preparations for the Bahuda Yatra when the deities return to their abode.
The Dakshina Moda ritual is specifically associated with the chariots. Since the Rath Yatra, the chariots parked in front of Gundicha Temple have faced north. For the return journey, the chariots are turned southward towards the Jagannath Temple, hence the name 'Dakshina Moda' or southward turn.
Notably, the Hera Panchami festival was celebrated yesterday. This festival depicts Goddess Laxmi’s displeasure with Lord Jagannath for staying away from Srimandir during the Rath Yatra and not taking her along. Reflecting Odia cultural norms, where wives may get upset if their husbands come home late, Goddess Laxmi is upset with Lord Jagannath’s extended absence.
Servitors carried Goddess Laxmi to the Gundicha Temple in a palanquin, accompanied by a vibrant procession through Puri Grand Road. After completing the Maha Snana, Sarbanga, Besha, and Bandapana rituals, Goddess Laxmi’s procession halted near the Nandighosha chariot, where she was ceremoniously welcomed. Although she received an ‘Agyan Mala’ (garland of consent), she could not enter the Gundicha Temple as the door was closed, making her feel neglected and angry. To express her frustration, she instructed her servitors to damage part of Lord Jagannath’s chariot.
Feeling remorseful for her actions, Goddess Laxmi secretly returned to Srimandir through Hera Gohiri Sahi without fanfare.
