Shree Jaganath, Shree Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra offered darshan to devotees at the Gundicha Temple early on Tuesday, the first day after the lords had entered Their aunt’s shrine on Monday night climbing down Their chariots following the Rath Yatra on July 14.
Due to a pleasant weather, heavy crowds gathered near the Gundicha Temple since early morning and joined a queue for Adap Mandap darshan of the lords. After the morning rituals such as Manala Arati, Mailam, Surya Puja, Dwarapal Puja, Balabh, etc., the door of the temple’s Garbha Gruha (sanctum sanctorum) was opened for public. People entered through the lions Gate and offered prayer to the deities seated on the Adap Mandap and exited through the Nakachana Dwar (second door). For a hassle-free visit, police had earlier made barricading at the entry point to the temple.Devotees also received Abhada (Prasad), which was prepared for the lords in the kitchen at the Gundicha Temple.
At 8 pm. servitors conducted the Banakalagi ritual with the deities being dressed and decorated anew following their hours-long journey from the Shreemandir sitting atop wooden carts.
A darshan of the lords on the Adap Mandap is considered to give salvation to devotees. The Gundicha Temple is believed to be the Trinity’s birthplace, which They visit once in a year. They spend nine days here before returning to Their Shreemandir. This year, Their Bahuda Yatra will take place on July 22.