By Our Correspondent
PURI/BHUBANESWAR: Amid chants of Hindu slokas and hymns of vedas, and ‘Jai Jagannath’ reverberating the air in Puri town, Pahandi Bije, the spectacular procession to the Lords’ respective chariots stationed in front of the Singhadwar(Lion’s Gate ) on Grand Road, began at around 11.10 am and concluded in time.
Some captures from the captivating moment of the ceremonial “Dhadi Pahandi” procession Lord Shree Jagannatha, moving with the melodious rhythms of “Ghanta” and “Kahali” to the Nandighosa “Ratha” in an environment filled with emotion.
Adorning the floral crown or “Tahia”, Lord Shree Balabhadra was moved to Taladhwaja “Ratha” in “Dhadi Pahandi” procession with the rhythms of traditional instruments.
The Pahandi Bije ritual began as per the scheduled time with Lord Sudarshan, the main weapon of Lord Vishnu-an incarnation of Jagannath being taken in a ceremonial procession. the Pahandi of Sudarshan, Lord Balabhadra was taken out in a similar manner followed by sister Devi Subhadra and younger brother, the Lord Of the Universe, Lord Jagannath.The processions are marked by the rhythmic swaying of Tahiya (traditional headgear) of the deities, which looks amazing.
The procession, known as the Pahandi Bije of the deities, is one of the most significant rituals of the Ratha yatra. Lakhs of devotees were eagerly waiting to have a glimpse of the rare ritual of the trinity.
After completion of Pahandi rituals of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, Puri Shankaracharya Nischalananda Saraswati paid obeisance to the Holy Trinity on their chariots.
After the completion of ceremonial Pahandi ritual in which the deities were taken to their chariots by the servitors, the Shankaracharya visited the three chariots – Nandighosh of Lord Jagannath, Taladhawaj of Lord Balabhadra and Debadalan of Goddess Subhadra and had darshan of the deities.
