‘Dakshina Moda’ Ritual Observed in Puri: Chariots Turn South as Bahuda Yatra Preparations Commence

Puri: Preparations for the Bahuda Yatra, the return journey of Lord Jagannath and his siblings to the Srimandir have commenced in Puri. The observance of the ‘Dakshina Moda’ ritual marked the beginning of this significant event. During this ritual, the chariots parked in front of Gundicha temple, which were originally facing north since the Rath Yatra, were turned south towards the Jagannath Temple, giving the ritual its name. The head carpenter of Lord Jagannath’s chariot, Nandighosha, Bijay Mohapatra, explained that the ritual is performed only after receiving the divine garland of consent, known as Angyan Mala.

Following the receipt of the Angyan Malas, the garlands were tied to each of the chariots. The chariots were then turned south one by one, beginning with Devi Subhadra’s chariot, Darpadalana, followed by Lord Balabhadra’s Taladhwaja and finally Lord Jagannath’s Nandighosha chariots. The chariots were pulled from the Gundicha temple to the Nakachana Dwar by the officers, staff of the Srimandir, and policemen.

During this ritual, devotees are generally not allowed to pull the chariots, as they need to be manoeuvred forward and backwards to maintain their proper positions. However, charioteers called ‘Dahukas’ are present atop their respective chariots to observe the ritual.

It is pertinent to mention that the Bahuda Yatra of the sibling deities is scheduled to take place on June 28.