**Puri:** The enchanting ‘Goti Pahandi’ of the deities during their entry into the Gundicha Temple (fondly called Mausima Temple) from the respective chariot was solemnized as per the rituals on Friday evening here.
The deities were taken one after another to the ‘Aadapa Mandap’/ ‘Yagnya Mandap’ and were settled at their appropriate sacred seat.
As per the prescribed ritual, one deity is taken to the seat only after the previous one has already been settled unlike the Rath Yatra’s ‘Pahandi’ ritual.
It all started at 8.30 pm with the ‘Pahandi Bije’ (ceremonial procession) of Lord Madanmohan followed by Lord Sudarshan.
After that Lord Balabhadra, Goddess Subhadra and Lord Jagannath’s ‘Goti Pahandi’ followed the suit one after another.
As per tradition, for each deity a special ‘Alati’ (holy flame offering) and ‘Bhog’ (sweet dish offering) is solemnized on the respective chariot itself before the ‘Goti Pahandi’.
Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Lord Jagannath were also adorned with the captivating ‘tahias’ (ornamental flower and sacred basil band as headgear).
As per reports, the darling of the devotees, Lord Jagannath’s ‘Goti Pahandi’ began at around 10.20 pm and He entered the Gundicha Temple at 10.45 pm. Later, the secret rituals at the ‘Aadapa Mandap’/ ‘Yagnya Mandap’ inside the temple reportedly lasted till late night.
