Bhubaneswar, 15 July (H.S.): A day ahead of the world-famous Rath Yatra, the final phase of traditional rituals was performed at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri on Wednesday. Following the Nabajaubana Darshan held on Tuesday, the significant ritual was conducted, during which the three chariots were brought from the Ratha Khala to the Singhadwara (Lion’s Gate) of the temple.

As per temple traditions, the daily rituals of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Lord Sudarshan were performed in the morning, followed by the Gopal Ballav and Sakala Dhupa rituals.

Later, servitors carried the sacred ‘Agyanmala’ (garland symbolising divine permission) from the deities to the three chariots in a traditional procession. The Agyanmala Bije ritual is considered the formal approval from the deities for the commencement of the annual Rath Yatra.

After the completion of the Agyanmala Bije ritual, the three chariots were pulled from the Ratha Khala, where they were constructed, and positioned in front of the Singhadwara of the Shree Jagannath Temple.

Several other important rituals will also be performed during the night as part of the final ceremonial preparations. With the completion of these age-old traditions, all arrangements for the grand Rath Yatra scheduled on Thursday have reached the final stage.

On Thursday, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra will emerge from the sanctum sanctorum through the grand Pahandi Bije procession and take their seats on their respective chariots. Amid the presence of lakhs of devotees, the three chariots will then begin their annual journey towards the Gundicha Temple.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda