Bahuda Yatra: The Return Journey
Published on 10/31/2024
While the Rath Yatra (the onward journey) garners global attention, its concluding counterpart, the Bahuda Yatra, is equally significant and emotionally charged. Occurring on the tenth day of the bright fortnight of the Ashadha month, it marks the return of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra from their aunt's house (the Gundicha Temple) back to the main Shree Mandira.
The Longing to Return
According to tradition, the deities spend seven days at the Adapa Mandapa inside the Gundicha Temple, which is considered their birthplace. While they are treated to special delicacies like the Poda Pitha (baked cake), they eventually feel a deep longing to return to their permanent abode, the Shree Mandira.
The preparation for Bahuda Yatra begins with the Senapata Lagi ritual, where the deities are dressed in special armor-like clothing made of bark and cotton to protect their wooden bodies during the strenuous journey back.
The Pahandi and the Chariots
Just as in the onward journey, the deities are brought out of the Gundicha Temple in the rhythmic, swaying procession known as Pahandi Bije. The sequence is the same: Lord Sudarshana, followed by Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and finally, Lord Jagannath.
They are seated on their respective chariots—Taladhwaja, Darpadalana, and Nandighosha—which have been turned around to face the main temple. Millions of devotees gather once again on the Bada Danda (Grand Road) to pull the ropes, chanting "Jai Jagannath" as the massive wooden structures begin to roll.
The Offering of Poda Pitha
A unique and heartwarming tradition occurs halfway through the return journey. The chariot of Lord Jagannath, Nandighosha, halts near the Mausi Maa Temple (the temple of their aunt, Goddess Ardhashini).
Here, the Lord is offered His favorite delicacy: Poda Pitha, a traditional Odia cake made of rice flour, jaggery, coconut, and cardamom, baked slowly over a wood fire. This offering symbolizes the deep familial bonds and the very human-like affections that characterize the Jagannath tradition.
A Stalled Entry
The return journey does not end immediately upon reaching the Lion's Gate. The deities must remain on their chariots outside the temple for two more crucial events: the magnificent Suna Besha (Golden Attire) the following day, and the dramatic Niladri Bije (the final entry into the temple) a few days later, where Lord Jagannath must appease a very angry Goddess Lakshmi before He is allowed back inside!