By Our Correspondent
PURI/BHUBANESWAR: All Road connecting to Odisha’s pilgrimage city of Puri in eastern India on Sunday festive look with their Supreme Ruler, Shree Lord Jagannath, his Siblings, Shree Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra is embarking on a weeklong trip to aunt’s house located at Saradhabali in the City.
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.
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.
Meanwhile, Divine enthusiasm gripped Odisha’s pilgrim town of Puri as lakhs of devotees thronged the abode of Shree Lord Jagannath to witness the famous Rath Yatra of the lord of universe and his siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra. The servitors are busy making necessary arrangements for the smooth conduct of the rituals.
Before the Holy Trinity – Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and their sister Devi Subhadra – set out from the sanctum sanctorum of the 12th century shrine, a number of special rituals like Mangla Arati, Mailam, Tadapa lagi, Rosahoma, Abakasha, Surjya Puja, Dwarapala Puja, Besha Sesha, Gopala Balhava, Sakala Dhupa (Khecudi Bhoga), Ratha Pratishta and Mangalarpana, were earlier performed.
