Bahuda Yatra is the Return Journey of the three chariots to Jagannath Temple. After
spending a week inside the Gundicha temple, the deities commence their Bahuda Yatra
on the 10th day. The return journey follows the same protocol and schedule, as is
found during the Ratha Yatra. During the return journey, the three chariots stop
for awhile at the Mausima Temple, also known as Ardhasani Temple. This temple is
dedicated to the aunt of Lord Jagannath. Here three deities are offered ‘Poda Pitha’,
a special sweet made of rice, coconut, lentils and jaggery. After taking Poda Pitha,
three deities start their journey to the main temple. The chariots of Balabhadra
and Subhadra move forward and are parked at Lion’s gate (Singha dwara) of the temple
where as the chariot of Jagannath again halts in front of the King's palace.
In
the meanwhile Goddess Lakshmi (wife of Lord Jagannath) steals a glimpse of the safe
return of Jagannath's chariot from the Chaha ni Mandapa (Pavilion for view). Being
pleased Goddess Lakshmi is carried to the chariot of Jagannath while sitting in
the Palanquin. She is offered a loving garland which Lord Jagannath uses as loving
souvenir from her partner. After receiving the garland Goddess Lakshmi goes back
to the Temple and awaits her partner. This event facilitates Lord Jagannath to make
arrangement for his successful entry to the main Temple. On the day of Bahuda Yatra
the Deities remain in their respective chariots parked in front of the main temple.
SUNA VESHA
On the same day, during evening the three deities are dressed in glittering gold
on their respective chariots. This day is also known as ‘Suna Vesha’. The gold is
stored at the temple's bhandara ghar (treasury). The bhandara nikap priests (store
in-charge), guarded by armed police men and temple officials, brought the required
amount of gold from the bhandara ghar before 1 hour and handed them over to the
puspalaka and daitapati priests on the chariots. The daitapati priests are responsible
to decorate the Deities' body with gold jewelry. Devotees witnessed the Suna Besha
from evening 5 pm till 11 pm.
All the three deities are decorated with gold ornaments. Lord Jagannath and Balabhadra
appear with hands and feet made of gold. Lord Jagannath holds a gold Chakra(disc)
in his right hand and a silver conch in the left hand. Lord Balabhadra appears holding
a gold plough in the left hand and a gold mace in the right hand.
The following ornaments are used to decorate the Deities in Suna Vesha:
- Suna Hasta - Golden Hand
- Suna Payar - Golden feet
- Suna Mukuta - Golden Crown
- Suna Mayur Chandrika - A golden peacock feather used by Lord Jagannath as Sri Krishna
head piece
- Suna Chulapati - A golden ornament worn traditionally on the forehead to increase
the beauty of the face
- Suna Kundal - Golden earring of hanging round ball type
- Suna Rahurekha - A half square shaped golden aura around the face of the deities
- Suna Mala - Necklaces with Several Design made of gold. These include:
- Padma Mala - Lotus Shaped
- Sevati Mala - Shaped Like Small Sun Flower
- Agasti Mala - Moon Shaped flower design
- Kadamba Mala - Kadamba Flower Design (Round ball shape)
- Kante Mala - Big Gold Beads Design
- Mayur Mala - Shaped in Peacock feathers
- Champa Mala - Shaped liked Yellow champa Flower
- Suna Chakra - Golden Wheel
- Suna Gada - Golden bludgeon
- Suna Padma - Golden lotus
- Rupa Sankha - A silver conch
ADHARA PANA
On the 11th day (Ekadasi), the three deities are offered a refreshing drink named
as ‘Adhara Pana’. In local language ‘Adhara’ means ‘Lip’ and ‘Pana’ is a sweet scented
drink made of milk, sugar, cheese, banana, camphor, nuts, black pepper etc. Apart
from these ingredients, other herbal plant extracts like tulasi (holy basil) are
also mixed into the drink. The deities are offered Adhara Pana on huge cylindrical
earthen pots reaching up to their lips. The drink was filled in nine earthen pots
and each of the deities was offered three pots each on their respective chariot.
The priests offer the drink to the deities by performing "Sodosha Upachar Pooja’.
Once the Puja gets over the earthen pots are broken by the servitors and the Pana
spreads all over the chariot. It is believed that several evil spirits, ghostly
bodies and dissatisfied souls trail the deities during the Car Festival. As per
the ritual, the Adhara Pana is not for the devotees and servitors but it is only
for these evil spirits and the minor deities present on the three chariots (Parsva
Devatas) to guard the chariots during Ratha Yatra. The smashing of these earthen
pots on the chariots is purposefully done because the drink is not for the consumption
by the devotees and also to ensure that all these invisible forces and Parsva Devatas
consume the Adhara Pana and get satisfied.
NILADRI VIJAY
On the 12th day, after the evening rituals, the deities return to the main temple.
Deities are taken to the sanctum (Ratna Singhasana) in goti pahandi procession.
In goti pahandi procession the Deities move one after another, it means the next
Deity only moves from the chariot after the former Deity reached to his/her destination.
Before entering the main temple, a traditional act between the servitors of Lord
Jagannath and Mahalaxmi was held at the main gate (Jaya Vijaya Door) of the temple.
Mahalaxmi, the consort of the Lord Jagannath, was angry as she was left in the main
temple and was not a part of the trip to the Gundicha temple. She closes the temple
gate on the face of the Lord Jagannath and only allows Lord Balabhadra, Goddess
Subhadra and Lord Sudarshana into the temple. To appease Mahalaxmi and to gain access
to the temple, Lord Jagannath offers rasagolla (sweet) and requested her to forgive
him. After a long conversation, Mahalakshmi finally convinced and opens the temple
gate and allows Lord Jagannath inside. After that, Jagannath is made to sit beside
Lakshmi where a ritual of reunion is rehearsed and finally Lord Jagannath ascends
the Ratna Singhasana and re-joins his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra. Deities
home coming ceremony to the temple is known as ‘Niladri Vijay’ or ‘Niladri Vije’
and ends historic Car Festival.
