Kotpad: The return journey (Bahuda Yatra) of Lord Jagannath, the Lord of divine human-like play, has concluded with grandeur at Kotpad town in Koraput district, amid tight security and great spiritual fervor. The Lord, after his divine stay at the Gundicha Temple, returned to the main temple accompanied by the traditional rituals and the enthusiastic participation of devotees.
The event witnessed a mesmerizing display of the various adorned forms (beshas) of the Lord during his stay at the Gundicha Temple, creating a spiritually powerful sight where devotees and the deity became one in divine bliss.
Lord Jagannath, worshipped by the Pujapandas and served by the Sevayats, was ceremoniously brought back to the Bada Deula (main sanctum). On the way, the ritual offering of ‘Poda Pitha’ (a traditional cake) was made to Mausi Maa (Lord’s aunt), honoring the age-old tradition of satisfying the Lord’s craving before re-entering the temple.
On the auspicious occasion of Bada Ekadashi, hundreds of devotees gathered to catch a glimpse of Lord Jagannath on the chariot, believing that such a darshan destroys sins accumulated over many lifetimes.
As per tradition, the Lord was beautifully adorned in the golden attire (Suna Besha), and the rituals—starting from Pahandi procession, Bachanika, Suna Besha, to various offerings of sweets and bhog—were performed with strict adherence to custom and added spiritual charm.
Devotees in Kotpad experienced this divine event with immense devotion and emotional involvement. The spiritual atmosphere resonated with chants and devotional songs, echoing from tree branches under a cloudy sky.
The Rath Yatra Committee of Kotpad, led by its President, along with office-bearers, volunteers, and sevayats, worked tirelessly to make this year’s Rath Yatra a grand success. The presence and support of local police led by Officer Paramananda Sunani, along with various volunteers and political leaders, ensured safety and smooth conduct.
Finally, on Monday morning, devotees witnessed the deeply moving sight of Lord Jagannath entering the sanctum of the main temple, accompanied by his divine siblings and the sevayats, marking the conclusion of this year’s sacred festival.
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