Bhubaneswar: The three majestic chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra have been successfully turned southward (Dakshina Moda) ahead of the Bahuda Yatra.
The process, which began on Tuesday, faced significant disruption due to heavy rainfall. While Devi Subhadra’s Devadalana chariot was successfully turned and positioned near the Nakachana Dwara of Gundicha Temple on Tuesday, the turning of Taladhwaja chariot of Lord Balabhadra and Nandighosa chariot of Lord Jagannath chariots had to be postponed.
On Wednesday morning, the Taladhwaja chariot was turned southward, followed by the Nandighosa chariot, which was also moved towards the Nakachana Dwara.
With the southward turning of all three chariots now complete, technical inspection of the chariots will be carried out shortly.
Due to continuous rainfall, the chariots are currently standing in waterlogged conditions at Saradhabali. They have been placed under tight security with barricading and a strong security cordon.
The Dakshina Moda ritual is a key preparatory step before the grand Bahuda Yatra, during which the deities return from Gundicha Temple to the Shree Jagannath Temple.
Heavy rains yesterday had interrupted the rituals, forcing the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) to halt the turning of two chariots midway.
