Bhubaneswar: The unique annual ritual of offering ‘Poda Pitha’ to the Holy Trinity was performed on Friday during the return journey of Bahuda Yatra, as the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra stopped near the Mausi Maa temple at Balagandi on the Bada Danda.
While returning from Saradha Bali towards Srimandir, the three chariots halted near the temple of Goddess Ardhashani, popularly known as Mausi Maa, who is revered as the aunt of Lord Jagannath. The deities were offered the traditional baked cake, ‘Poda Pitha’, by the temple servitors on behalf of the Goddess.
After partaking in the annual offering at their aunt’s house, the chariots resumed their journey towards Singha Dwar.
The Mausi Maa temple is located on the left side of Bada Danda while going towards the temple. The presiding deity, Goddess Ardhashani, is a two-armed black stone idol flanked by two attendant deities, ‘Chaya’ and ‘Maya’. Her form is said to resemble that of Devi Subhadra.
According to tradition and local belief, the place derives its name from the erstwhile river ‘Hathi Gadhua’, once called ‘Balbattar Gandi’ by locals, which over time came to be known as ‘Balagandi’. In ancient times, the chariots of Mahaprabhu used to stop near this river for rest.
Devotees would cross the river and board another chariot on the opposite bank to proceed to the Gundicha temple.Since then, the tradition of the Lord and his siblings relishing Poda Pitha at their aunt’s place during Bahuda Yatra has continued. Even today, the ritual is performed with great devotion and joy, drawing lakhs of devotees who throng the Bada Danda to witness the divine halt.
The atmosphere at Balagandi turned emotional as the Holy Trinity paused for the sweet offering, marking another cherished chapter of the Rath Yatra festivities.
