Chariots of Lord Jagannath Reach Gundicha Temple

08/07/2024- Amidst chants of ‘Jai Jagannath’, ‘Hari Bolo’, the blowing of conches, and the beating of cymbals, the chariots of Lord Jagannath and his siblings, Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, have reached Gundicha Temple. The Taladhwaja chariot of Lord Balabhadra was the first to arrive, followed by the Darpadalana chariot of Devi Subhadra, and finally, the Nandighosa chariot of Lord Jagannath.

All three chariots are now stationed at Saradha Bali in front of the Gundicha Temple. This event marks the culmination of the annual Rath Yatra, where the deities are brought out from the sanctum sanctorum of the Jagannath Temple in a grand procession for their journey to Gundicha Temple.

In the Jagannath tradition, Gundicha Temple is considered the aunt’s house of Lord Jagannath and his siblings, where they stay for a nine-day sojourn. The chariots remain at Saradha Bali during this period. Devotees consider the sand of Saradha Bali highly auspicious, often placing it on their heads and bodies to receive the blessings of Lord Jagannath.