JAGANNATH TEMPLE AT PURI

JAGANNATH TEMPLE PURI

Kalinga of the Mauryan age and Utkala of Mahabharata fame, popularly known as Orissa today, boasts of splendid architecture and magnificent beaches. Spread over a sprawling area of 1.55 lakh sq kms, it lies in the tropical zones along the eastern seaboard of India. One can find an unmatched blend of rural tranquility with boisterous modern adroitness here. The scenic beauty of the place so much overpowers your spirit that the poet inside you is awakened.

The mention of Orissa dates back to 260 BC, the reign of Emperor Ashoka. While spreading the boundaries of his kingdom, the emperor reached the gates of the then Kalinga and invoked its king to fight or flee. In the absence of her father, the princess of the state took reins and fought bravely with the emperor. The war was a true massacre and the bloodshed that took place moved the emperor so much that his killing instinct was capsized. A warrior was thence transformed into a great apostle of Buddhism. Buddhism followed by Jainism held sway until after the reassertion of Hinduism in the state in 7th century AD.
The Orissan culture and architecture flourished immensely under the rein of Keshari and Ganga Kings at Orissa. A number of masterpieces of that golden era still stand today as mute evidences to a glorious past.

Orissa's history dates back to the days of the Mahabharata. It was under the rule of the Nanda Kings in the pre Christian era and then under the Mauryan rule. Rock edicts of Emperor Ashoka are found in the State.

The impact of the invasion of the Guptas is seen in the early temples of Bhubaneswar. The Matharas ruled Orissa from the later half of the 4th century AD. The Sailodbhavas who followed constructed several shrines the ruins of which can be seen today. (600-750 AD). The period of the Bhaumakaras and Somavamsis (8th to 11th centuries AD) played a major role in the cultural life of the State. Saivism dominated the religious scene although Buddhist, Jain and Vaishnavite monuments also came into being. 

The Gangas were succeeded by the Suryavamsi Gajapati rulers, under whom Vaishnavism in the form of Jagannath worship reached new heights. This period was marked by the influence of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and by the construction of Jagannath temples across the length and breadth of the empire. After the decline of the Gajapatis, the kingdom began to disintegrate and was taken over by followed by Muslim rule, the rule of the Mughals, the Mahrattas and then the British. The Bhoi Gajapatis who ruled Orissa over a small territory caused several Jagannath temples to come up.

LORD JAGANNATH

In the minds of the millions of Indians, Orissa is the land of Jagannath. The name Jagannath literally means “Lord of the Universe.” It is one of the most sacred pilgrimage spots in India and it is also one of the four abodes (dhamas) of the divine that lie on the four directions of the compass. The Jagannath temple in Puri was built approximately 1135-1150 by King Chodaganga of the Eastern Ganga dynasty and finished by his descendant, Anangabhima Deva, during the 12th century. One of the most revered of all temples of Lord Vishnu is the Lord Jagannath Temple in eastern India. It was built in it's present form in 1198 and is protected by two surrounding walls. The conical tower of the temple is 58 mt high on which the flag and the wheel of Lord Vishnu can be seen. The temple is dedicated to Jagannath, who is identified by his devotees with Krishna. It is also dedicated to Balabhadra and Subhadra, the brother and sister, respectively, of Jagannath. These three together are the principal deities of the temple, whose images reside in the temple's sanctuary. Like the Lingaraj temple in Bhubaneswar, this temple too is not open for Non-Hindus who contend themselves by viewing it from outside it's precincts.

HISTORY OF JAGANNATH TEMPLE

     On archaeological and epigraphically grounds we cannot definitely establish the historical importance of Puri before the 7th Century A . D. There is a commonly prevalent notion that the temple of Lord Jagannath is situated on a blue mountain and therefore called Niladri, Nilachal or Nilagiri. But we find no mountain at Puri or any reference to a hill or a mountain near Puri in the history; it can be presumed that it might have been built on a sand hill called Niladri or the Blue Mountain only on the grounds of analogy. There was a small Jagannath Temple before 12th Century A.D. where the present temple is situated. As the old temple became weak and starts damage, the King “Raja Ananta Varman Chodaganga Dev” decided to build a new temple. It is believed that the present temple built on the garbage of old temple. Because of the height of the base of the present temple is more than 30 feet.

The founder King of the Ganga Dynasty, King Chodaganga Deva began it’s construction of the celebrated Temple of Lord Jagannath now existent at Puri in 1235 A.D. The construction was finished by King Anangabhima Deva. The wooden images of Jagannath Balabhadra and Subhadra were installed in that temple.
The management of the temple continued under the Hindu rulers till 1558.
Then the State of Orissa was conquered by the Afghan Nawab of Bengal and the temple was attacked by the Afghan General ‘Kalapahad’. At that time, an independent Khurda kingdom was established by “Ramachandra Deb”, who assumed the management of the temple. He consecrated the temple and reinstalled the deities. Till 1760, the temple continued under the Khurda Raja (King), who was paying tribute to Mughals and Marhattas. Raja Mansingh, a General of the Mughal King Akbar, defeated the Afghans and annexed Orissa in to the Mughal dominion. It remained under the Mughals till 1751A.D. Then Marhattas took up direct management of the temple till 1803.

The British annexed Orissa into British Empire in 1803 and allowed Puri Raja to manage the temple. . However, to the credit of the British it must be said that they respected the right to worship of the Hindus at Jagannath and indirectly allowed patronage. They recognized that Jagannath Puri's King of Orissa (Gajapati Maharaja) as the Superintendent of the Temple and granted some revenue rights and privileges to the temple to run it's affairs. The position continued till 1947.

Situated at Latitude –19’48’17” Longitude 85’51’39”, the Jagannath temple at Puri is one of the greatest religious monuments in the   India. Situated on the sea coast, the abode of Lord Jagannath is popularly known as ‘Srikhetra’ or Purusottama khetra on the basis of its religious sanctity. The temple of Lord Jagannath was built according to Kalingan style of Pancharatha type. Orissan temple architecture, which made an humble beginning before the 6th century A. D reached . 

            Its perfection  by the time  the present temple of Lord Jagannath was built. The idea of building the huge temples   with   three sections  (Jagamohana, Bhogamandapa and Natyamandapa) before the Vimana, the main temple has  already gained ground  in Orissa. Jagannath temple  is the  first expression of  full fledged Pancharatha type of Kalingan style of architecture.

       The pancharatha style consists of  two  anurathas, two konakas and one raha. The idea of   constructing a temple is to install a deity in it and to offer all comforts divine as well royal. The deity is regarded   to be a royal personage and therefore   he is provided with all   facilities to live in a palace-like building with a huge audience hall (Jaqgamohana), dining hall (Bhogamandapa) and a dancing hall (Natyamandapa). Besides, he is further provided with   horses, gold, jewellery, silken clothes and a lofty abode (Vimana) for his residence.

  Jagannath temple is built on a highly raised   platform, compared to Lingaraj and other temples belonging to this type. Jagannath temple was the first temple in the history of Orissan temple architecture where all the chambers like Jagamohana, Bhogamandapa and Natyamandapa were build along with the main temple. There were miniature shrines on the three outer side of the main temple.

        Jagannath temple is a pancharatha with well developed pagis. ‘Gajasimhas’ (elephant lions) carved   in recesses of the  pagas, the ‘Jhampasimhas’(jumping lions)  are  also found  intheir proper places. It is the perfect pancharatha temple which developed  into a Nagararekha temple with unique Orissan style of subdivisions like  Pada, Kumbha, Pata,Kani and Vasanta. The Vimana or the apsidal structure consists of  several sections  superimposed one over other tapering to the  top where great Amalakasila and Kalasa are placed. Among the existing temples in Orissa, the hight of temple of Lord Jagannath is highest (214 ft.8inches from road level).

        The temple has  four gates and two very big concentric walls. The outer wall of Jagannth temple is known as Meghanada  Prachira (66 5 ft.by 650 ft.) and the inner one as Kurma beda (420 ft. by 315 ft). The outer wall is not uniformly high, its height varying from  20 to 24 feet. Jagannath temple  is the only temple in Orissa which has  four gates  both in inner and outer walls.

          The main entrance on the east is called Simhadwara or the Lion gate, which is the symbol of strength. The southern gate is the next important one where symbol of horse shows the military power of the king. The western gate is called  Baghradwara or the  tiger gate  which signifies energy and the northern gate  called  Hastidwara  indicates prosperity. But according to  local traditions the four gates  represents  Dharma (lion), Artha (Elephant),Karma (Horse)and  Moksha (tiger). According to Madala Panji the outer prakara was built by Kapilendradeva (1435-1497).The inner prakara called the Kurma beda was built by Purusottamadeva (1467-1497) who also built the Bhogamandapa   of the temple.
        

Over centuries the subsidiary temples were built and the existed were repaired and renovated. The Aruna stambha now in the front of the eastern Simhadwara was brought from Konark in the later half of the 18th century.

LEGEND

Legendary account as found in the Skanda-Purana, Brahma Purana and other Puranas and later oriya works state that Lord Jagannath was originally worshipped as Neela madhab by a Savar king ( tribal chief ) named Viswavasu. Having heard about the deity , king Indradyumna sent a Brahmin priest, Vidyapati to locate the deity, who was worshipped secretly in a dense forest by Viswavasu. Vidyapati tried his best but could not locate the place. But at last he managed to marry Viswavasu's daughter Lalita . At repeated request of Vidyapti, Viswavasu took his son-in-law blind folded to a cave where Neelamadhab was worshipped.

     Vidyapati was very intelligent. He dropped mustard seeds on the ground on the way. The seeds germinated after a few days, which enabled him to find out the cave later on. On hearing from him, king Indradyumna proceeded immediately to Odra desha (Orissa) on a pilgrimage to see and worship the Deity. But the deity had disappeared .The king was disappointed .The Deity was hidden in sand. The king was determined not to return without having a darshan of the deity and observed fast unto death at Mount Neela, Then a celestial voice cried 'thou shalt see him '. Afterwards the king performed a horse sacrifice and built a magnificent temple for Vishnu. Narasingha Murti brought by Narada was installed in the temple. During sleep, the king had a vision of Lord Jagannath. Also an astral voice directed him to receive the fragrant tree on the seashore and make idols out of it. Accordingly the king got the image of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra and Chakra Sudarshan Made out of the wood of the said tree and installed them in the temple.

THE DEITIES

Worship of the deities pre-date the temple structure and may have originated in an ancient tribal shrine. Lord Jagannath, the symbol of universal love and brotherhood is worshipped in the Temple along with Balabhadra, Subhadra, Sudarshan, Madhaba, Sridevi and Bhudevi on the Ratnabedi or the be jewelled platform in the inner sanctum. The Deities, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra and Chakra Sudarshan are made of margosa wood. When one lunar month of Ashadha is followed by another lunar month of Aashadha, the deities change their bodies during such a leap month. This is known as Navakalebar or New Body Ceremony. Last four new body ceremonies of the Lords were celebrated in the year 1950, 1969, 1977 and 1996. On such occasions, Puri witnesses the largest crowd in her fold.

COSTUMES

The Deities are adorned with cotton and silk fabrics, Gold Ornaments studded with precious stones, flowers of different varieties, Tulsi leaves, sandal paste, camphor. These articles are used in the daily and periodical rituals. Some important Veshas or costumes of the deities are mentioned below.

1. Abakasha (Tadapa uttari) Vesha

This Vesha is done everyday after Mangal Aarati for the Abakash rituals. The clothes which are worn by the deities for this purpose are known as "Tadapa" and "Uttariya".

2. Sadha Vesha

This Vesha are the normal costumes of deities which they wear five times in a day, especially after each food offering. This Vesha comprises silken clothes and flower garlands.

3. Bada Sringar Vesha

This the last Vesha of the deities done everyday before the night "Pahuda". Bada Sringar Vesha is mostly of flowers of different colours and species. The deities wear silk clothes called 'Khandua'.

4. Chandan Vesha

This vesha is done for 42 days starting from Akshayya Tritiya day.

5. Ganapati or Hathi vesha

On the full moon day in the month of Jyestha, after the bathing ceremony is over, the deities are dressed like elephants. Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra appear like Ganesh(the Elephant God).

6. Suna(gold) vesha

On the 11th day in the bright fortnight of Ashada, Suna Vesha takes place, when the deities are in their respective chariots near the Lion's gate of Sree Jagannath temple. The deities are decorated with many gold ornaments. This vesha is also known as 'Bada Tadhau' vesha and Raja Vesha is also done on Dashahara, Kartik Purnima,Pousha purnima and Dola purnima.

7. Banabhoji Vesha

It is done on the 10th day of the dark fortnight of Bhadraba. The deities are dressed as if going for a picnic, like cowherd boys.

8. Kaliyadalana Vesha

On the 11th day of the dark fortnight of Bhadraba, Lord JAGANNATH is dressed like Lord Krishna killing the Kaliya Serpent.

9. Pralambasura Badha Vesha

It is done on the 12th day of the dark fortnight of Bhadraba(September), Lord Balabhadra's killing of the demon Pralambasura is depicted in this Vesha.

10. Krishna Balarama Vesha

This Vesha is done on the 13th day of the dark fortnight of Bhadraba. Lord Jagannath and Balabhadra are dressed like Lord Krishna and Balaram.

11. Bali Baman Vesha

On the 12th day of the bright fortnight of Bhadraba, Lord Jagannath is dressed like "Bamana"(dwarf). Bamana is the fifth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

12. Radha-Damodara Vesha

From the 11th day of the bright fortnight of Ashwina to the 10th day of the bright fortnight of Kartika, this vesha takes place.

13. Thiakia(Laxmi-Narayan) Vesha

It is done on the 11th day of the bright fortnight of Kartika.

14. Bankachula Vesha

It is done on the 12th day of the bright fortnight of Kartika.

15. Adakia(Tribikrama) Vesha

This is done on the 13th day of the bright fortnight of Kartika.

16. Dalikia Vesha

On the 14th day of the bright fortnight of Kartika, this is also known as Laxmi-Nrisimha Vesha.

17. Nagarjuna Vesha

This vesha is occasionally done in the month of Kartika, when there are six days of "Panchaka". The lords are dressed like warriors. In the recent past, this besha has been done on 16.11.1994. The previous four dates were 26.11.1993, 3.11.1968, 16.11.1967 and 26.11.1966.

18. Ghodalagi Vesha

During the period from the 6th day of the bright fortnight of Margasira to the 5th day of the bright fortnight of Magha(Basanta Panchami), the deities wear winter clothes.

19. Jamalagi Vesha

From Basanta Panchami to Dola Purnima, the deities wear modified Ghoda(Winter dress).

20. Padma Vesha

This vesha is done on any saturday or Wednesday between the new moon day of Magha and Basanta Panchami. "Padma" means lotus. The dress materials made of lotus, "Sola" lace and paper,gum etc.

21. Gaja Uddharana Vesha

This Vesha is done on the full moon day of Magha. This Vesha depicts a story in the puranas as to how Lord Vishnu saved an elephant from the attack of an Alligator.

Besides these, there are other veshas like Shradha and Chacheri veshas are done in the month of Margasira and Falguna respectively. The sevaks of temple who dress the deities with clothing and flowers are known as Puspalaks or Singharis.

RITUALS

1. "DWARPHITA & MANGAL ALATI " AT 5 A.M. (Opening of the door and morning prayer)

The door opens early in the morning in the presence of the five specific sevayats after verification of the "seal" given by a particular sevayat in the last night. Soon after the opening of the door, sacred lamps is offered to the deities which is called "Mangal Alati".

2. "MAILAM" AT 6 A.M.

"Mailam" is a word used in Shri Jagannath Temple,which means change or removal of dresses and flowers etc. At this time some specific sevaks change the clothes, flowers, Tulasi leaves of the deities worn on the previous night. After removal of colthes,the clothes known as "Tadap"and "Uttariya"are worn by the deities.

3. "ABAKASH" - 6 A.M. TO 6.30 A.M.

Purificatory rites like brushing of teeth and bath is known as "Abakash ". At this time Temple Jyotisha ( Astrologer ) reads out the tithi and other astrological details of the day and according to that, that very days rituals are performed.

4. " MAILAM" 6.45 A.M.

  At this time deities change their clothes ( Tadap & Uttariya ) and wear another set of clothes. A sevak known as "Akhanda Mekap " keeps in the sanctum Akhanda Baitha i.e. one lamp which burns till " Pahuda " or the time of the retirement of the deities to bed.

5. "SAHANAMELA " - 7A.M. TO 8 A.M.

Though this is not a part of the rituals,but about one hour is spent to facilitate pilgrims to go up to "Ratnavedi " or inner sanctums to have a Darshan, without paying fees for it. On certain festive days, Sahanamela is held after " Sandhya dhupa " (Evening Puja or Sandhya Alati in the month of Kartik) and after Sakaldhupa ( in the month of Pausha ). Some times this darshan is not allowed for some special rituals of the deities.

6. " BESHALAGI " - 8 A.M.

After Sahanamela the deities are again dressed up which can be witnessed from a little distance i.e." Bhitara Katha ". At this time, Deities are also adorned with gold and precious stones to suit diffeerent festive occasions.

7. ROSHA HOMA, SURYA PUJA, AND DWARAPAL PUJA- 8 A.M. to 8.30 A.M.

While some sevayats are busy with vesha lagi of the Deities, Pujapandas at that time perform " Rosha Homa "( Fire Sacrifice ) at the kitchen and " Surya puja " at the surya temple near "Mukti Mandap ". Then the images of two gate keepers named Jaya and Vijaya on the entrance of the Jagamohan of the Temple are worshipped.

8. GOPALA BALLAVA PUJA - 9 A.M. (Breakfast of the God)

  The prescribed time is 9 A.M. This is the time for breakfast of the deities. At this time sweet popcorn (Khei ), Khualadus, Coconuts sweets (Kora), Ripe banana, Curd, and chipped coconuts etc. are offered as bhogas. Puja is performed in a brief manner with pancha upachar only.

9. SAKALA DHUPA (MORNING FOOD OFFERING) 10 A.M.

At this time puja is performed by three Pujapandas with 16 Upachars or Sodasha Upachars. Three Pujapandas used to sit on Ratnasinhasana to worship three deities Shri Balabhadra,Subhadra, and Lord Jagannath. The Pujapanda who worships Lord Jagannath also worships Sri Devi, Bhudevi,and Sudarshan. The morning bhoga or food offered to the deities contains Rice, Kanika, Khechudi, Green leaves, Cakes etc.. The local names of the Bhog are Pitha Puli,Hansakeli, Kanti, Enduri ,Matha Puli, Kakatua Jhili, Bundia, Kadali Bhaja, Ada Pachedi (ginger tonic ) etc.. The cost of the dhoop Pujas and Ballavs are borne by the Temple Administration.Previously Raja-Superintendent of the temple born the cost of materials for preparation of Bhoga. So these Bhogas are also called "Raja Bhoga "or "Kotha Bhoga".

10. MAILAM & BHOGA MANDAP : 11 A.M.

After Morning Dhupa or Puja the Deities changed their Clothes " and again Puja takes places in "Bhoga Mandap ",a place behind the Garuda pillar of Jagamohan. Huge quantity of Bhogas such as Rice ,Dal,Curries,Saga and Cakes of different kinds etc.are offered to the Deities. Pujapandas worship this bhog with Pancha Upachars. The cost of Bhoga Mandap offerings are not borne by the state or Temple Administration. This bhoga is mainly prepared to meet the need of different Mathas ( Monasteries ) and for sale to the general public. According to the demand, Bhogamandap Puja is made twice or thrice a day i.e. after " Madhyanha Dhoop" and "Sandhya Dhup " also.

11. MADHYANHA DHUPA (Afternoon food offering ) 11A.M. to 1 P.M.

Like Sakal Dhupa, this puja is also performed with Sodasa Upachar in the afternoon.The Bhoga items are more in number than that of Morning Dhupa. One can go near to the " Ratna Singhasan" for darshan by paying special Darshan fee @ Rs 25 /- after Madhynha Dhupa & Sakal Dhupa.

12. MADHYANHA PAHUDHA 1 P.M. to 1.30 P.M.

If rituals have been performed in time and if time permits, the Deities retire for the afternoon.

13. SANDHYA ALATI

In the evening again sacred lamps are offered to the deities after Madhyana Dhupa Mailam. On Ekadasi day,the deities change their clothes and wear another sets after "Alati" is over.

14. SANDHYA DHUPA - 7 P.M. to 8 P.M.

After "Sandhya Alati" again Bhogas are offered to the deities in the same manner like Sakala and Madhyan Dhupa but this time Bhoga amount is less in quantity and number. After Puja again lamp offering is made which is called as "Jaya Mangala Alati".

15. MAILAM AND CHANDANA LAGI

After "Sandhya Dhoopa" deities changed their clothes and are annointed with Sandal paste mixed with champhor, keshar and Kasturi. One can witness this ritual by paying special Darsan fees.

16. BADASINGHAR VESHA

After Chandan lagi, deities are dressed with Baralagi Patta (silken robes on which some portions of Geeta Govinda of Jayadev are woven in to the texture of these robes) and flower ornaments.

17. BADASINGHARA BHOGA

This is the last bhoga of the day. Puja is offered With Pancha Upachar by the Puja Pandas with Pakhal(watered rice),Kadali bada,Kshiri ,Kanji etc.

18. KHATA SEJA LAGI AND PAHUDA 12.00

The bedsteads of the deities are arranged. The Deity of "Sayan Thakura" is carried from Bhandarghar to Ratnavedi or Ratnasinghashana and place the deity near Lord Jagannath. Then follows offering of green cocoanut, betels and camphor alati and then deities retire to their beds. After sealing the doors by the Sevayat (Talichha Mohapatra). Temple is closed and no visitors or outsiders are allowed to remain inside.

 DARSHAN

As indicated above during Sahanamela, the devotees can go up to the "Ratna Singhasana" and pray to Lords, free of cost. Besides the pilgrims can go up to "Ratna Singhasana" at certain times paying a nominal fee Rs.25/- ,which is known as "Parimanik Darshana". At other times the pilgrims can have their darshan from a little distance that is in "Jagamohan" and "Vitarakatha".

BHOGA

  Every day 5 bhogas are offered to the Lords, these are "Gopala-Ballava"(Break fast), "Sakal Dhupa" "Madhyana Dhupa" "Sandhya Dhupa" and "Badasinghar Dhupa".

RATHA YATRA/CAR FESTIVAL

A famous festival related to the Jagannath temple is the Ratha Yatra, or chariot festival, which occurs yearly in June or July. During the Rath Yatra Festival, the images of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are placed in mammoth chariots or 'raths', the largest of which is 14 meters (46 feet) high and has 16 wheels, each more than two meters (seven feet) in diameter, which are then drawn along Grand Road to the Gundicha temple, a few kilometers away. After they have stayed in that temple for seven days, the deities again ride the chariots back to their home temple. This journey commemorates that of Lord Krishna from Gokul to Mathura.

The following Puja are conducted in the morning of “Rath Yatra”

Arati, Avakasha, Rosha Homa (Puja in the Temple Kitchen), Surya and Dwarapal Puja, Sakala Dhup (Morning offering specially cooked food), Mangalarpana, Doralagi, Puspanjali and Tuli offering, Mailam Lagi, Unfastening of Deities and preparation for Pahandi.

PAHANDI (DHADI PAHANDI):- 

The Deities are taken out, one after the other, in the following order - Sudarshan, Balabhadra, Subhadra and Jagannath from the Ratna Singhasana in a ceremonial procession amidst sounds of Ghantas, Kahali and Telengi Baja. At the seven stairs (Northen exit from the Nata Mandap) the three Deities assemble, receive taya or Tahiya (a massive head gear made of Sola) offered to them by the head of Ragjhav Das Matha. Then one after other the three deities are ushered through the Ananda Bazar, Baisi Pahacha and Simhha Dwara and finally to their respective chariots as per the protocol that is Sudarshan, Balabhadra, Subhadra and Jagannath. 

BEFORE THE JOURNEY:- 

When the Deities are installed in their respective Rathas- Sri Jagannath in Nandighosh, Sri Balabhadra in Taladhwaja and Subhadra in Darpadalan- the following rituals are observed before the commencement of their Journey.

1) Chaka apasaras (circular cushions) are provided to the Deities.
2) Proxy divinities that is Madan Mohan and Rama Krishna are brought from the Temple and placed in Nandighosh and Taladhwaja respectively.
3) Two big chests containing provisions, raiment and other necessary articles for use of the deities during the journey and sojourn are kept in the chariots.
4) Chitas (Special head ornaments made of Sola and studded with artificial gems) and flower decorations are provided to the deities.
5) Chhera Panhara (moping of the Ratha plat form by the Thakur Raja of Puri). The Raja comes from the Palace in a decorated palanquin offers garlands, perform arati, pays reverential salute (danda ppranama), fans the Deity by the olden Chamara (flywhisk) and symbolically sweeps the plat form round the deities. Thus, the Raja as the fore most servitor performs the ignoble job of scavenger as a mark of utmost humility in the presence of the Lord of Universe.
6) Sarathis (three wooden charioteers one for each chariot) are then fastened on to the chariots by the Bhois.

7) Charas (impromptu wooden flights of stairs to the chariots) are taken out.
8) Wooden horses (Four to each chariot ) are yoked.
9) Lakhs of devotees, men, women, young and old irrespective of caste, creed and nationality scramble eagerly for a touch of the 250 feet holy coir cable to pull the chariots along the Three Kms long Grand Road to the terminal point at the Gundicha Mandira in the north-east. The devotees are also assisted by the Kala bethisa or professional chariot pullers. 

THE JOURNEY (FROM THE LIONS GATE TO THE GUNDICHA MANDIR):-

Taladhwaja, the chariot of Balabhadra moves first followed by Darpadalan and after that, Nandighosh. During the journey, the deities are presented with holy offerings on behalf of various Mathas and Institutions.

ARRIVAL:-

After the Chariots are parked in front of the Gundicha Mandira) The Deities under go a ceremonial Mahasnana.b) They are dressed in Boirani Cloth.
c) Various offerings are made that is Bhoga, Arati, Bada Simhardhupa and Khandua Lagi etc. 

GUNDICHA ENTRY (Next Evening):- 

a) The Vijaykahali (the trumpet announcing deities' august entry) leads the procession of Goti Pahandi.

b) First of all, Madan Mohan and Rama Krishna are taken in side.
c) Mailam (Change of dress is conducted on the Rathas).
d) Daitas carry the Deities in side Gundicha Mandir ceremonially. 

THE SOJOURN (In the Gundicha Temple for 7 Days):- 

The Simhasana in Gundicha Mandir is known as Mahavedi or The Janmavedi. It is said that the deities were born here and here Raja Indradyumna conducted the historic aswamedha Yajna. The Temple is also known as the Mahavedi, the Yajna Mandap, the Janakpuri and Nrusimha Kshetra. During their sojourn in Gundicha the deities are dressed in Dasavatara Vesha. 

HERA PANCHAMI :- 

Sri Jagannath is yet to return to the Temple. Mahalakshmi becomes disconsolate. She goes to the Gundicha Temple on the 5th day (Hera Panchami). The main doors of Gundicha Temple are suddenly closed with a bang . She returns with a heavy heart and in a fit of anger breaks a small part of Nandighosh and returns the Temple via Hera Gouri Sahi. 

BAHUDA YATRA (On the 9th Day):-

After spending a week in the Gundicha Temple, the deities start their return journey on Asadha Shukla Dasami. The preceding evening is exclusively meant for Sandhya Darshan. On the previous day, the chariots are placed South-West. The return journey follows the same protocol and schedule as is found during the Ratha Yatra.

At Ardhasani (Mausima), the deities are offered Poda Pitha(9 sweet cakes). Nandighosh halts at Ratha Khala (In front of Raja's palace) where as Darpadalan and Taladhwaja move foreword and are parked at Simhadwara. In the mean while, Mahalakshmi steals a glimpse of Nandighosha from the Chahani Mandap, hurries to Lord Jagannath by palanquin, meets him, receives a loving garland and goes back to the Temple where she awaits Niladrinath.

1) On the day Bahuda the deities remain in their resp[ective chariots parked near the Simhadwara/

2) The next day (Ekadasi), the deities are dressed in glittering Gold (Suna Vesha) on their Chariots.

3) After the Strenuous Bahuda Journey, the deities are offered the most refreshing drink, framed as Adharapana in a huge container that almost touches the lips of the Deities.

4) Niladri Vije or Dwadasi Yatra. 

After the evening ritual , the deities enter Niladri in Goti Pahandi. Balabhadra and Subhadra are taken to sanctum without any impediments, where as the entry of Jagannath is met with many a pleasant hurdle. Devadasis at the behest of Lakshmi close the main entrance for a spell and then they close the Jaya Vijaya Dwara and engage them selves in a pleasant repartee with the Daitas. After that, Jagannath is made to sit beside Lakshmi where a ritual of of re union is rehearsed and finally Lord Jagannath goes to the Ratna Singhasan and joins his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra.