Puri: The sacred Sandhya Darshan of Lord Jagannath at the Janmabedi (birth altar) in Shree Gundicha Temple concluded today at 6:00 PM, marking the end of the nine-day Gundicha Yatra. Thousands of devotees gathered for the final darshan, with elaborate security arrangements ensuring a smooth and orderly experience.
Darshan for devotees commenced at 5:00 AM, with entry permitted only up to the Baharakatha (outer wooden structure). Entry into the sanctum sanctorum was restricted to ticket holders, though special provisions were made for women from servitor families.
Devotees entered through the Singhadwar and exited via the Nakachana Dwara, following the prescribed darshan route. Even after the darshan concluded, Adapa Abhada—the sacred food offering—remained available for devotees until midnight at Anandabazar, accessible through the Nakachana Gate.
The temple complex and Saradhabali reverberated with festive fervor throughout the day. On Thursday, the Dakhina Moda (southward turning) ritual of the three chariots was successfully completed in preparation for the Bahuda Yatra.
This year, Lord Jagannath and His siblings began the Gundicha Yatra on June 27 (the second day of the bright fortnight of Ashadha) and reached the Adapa Mandap on June 29. From June 30 to July 4, lakhs of devotees were blessed with darshan of the deities at the Gundicha Temple.
The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) organized special arrangements for today’s rituals, which began at 4:00 AM with the opening of the temple doors, followed by Mangala Alati at 4:30 AM. The adornment of the deities concluded by 7:00 AM, after which Gopal Ballabh and other morning rituals were performed. The second Bhog Mandap ritual took place between 2:00 PM and 3:30 PM, followed by Sandhya Alati, Sandhya Dhupa, and other evening rituals starting at 5:00 PM. Devotee darshan officially ended at 7:00 PM.
With the Sandhya Darshan concluded, preparations are now underway for the Bahuda Yatra (Return Car Festival) scheduled for July 5, with chariot pulling set to begin at 4:00 PM. This will be followed by Suna Besha (golden adornment) on July 6, Adhara Niti on July 7, and the final ritual of Niladri Bije on July 8, marking the return of the deities to the Shree Jagannath Temple.
