By Our Correspondent
PURI/BHUBANESWAR: Its sea of devotees in Odisha’s pilgrimage city of Puri. The pulling of the Debadalana “Ratha” of Maa Subhadra has commenced with the rhythms of traditional instruments creating a very spiritual atmosphere.
Emotions rise up as the most awaited moment has finally arrived, as Taladhwaja “Ratha” of Lord Shree Balabhadra started moving in a very devotional ambience.
King of Puri Gajapati Maharaj Dibyasingha Deb performed the most eye-catching ritual, the Chhera Panhara atop the three chariots of Lord Balabhadra, Jagannath and Devi Subhadra.
As per tradition, the King swept the floors of the raths with a golden handle broom as the foremost servitor of the Lords. Pulling of Chariots will commence from a short while a go.
Earlier, Puri Shankaracharya, the Srimad Jagatguru of Govardhan Peeth, visited Chaturdhamurthy in three chariots and offered prayers after the deities on boards following Pahandi procession.
Shankaracharya Swami Nischalananda Saraswati today had darshan of Lord Jagannath and His siblings atop their respective chariots.
The sevayats paid him due respect during the entire process. After paying obeisance to the deities, he waved at the people and then left the venue. The “Chita Lagi” ritual of the three deities was also completed on the “Rathas”
