What Happened During the Sacred 'Pahandi Bije' of Lord Jagannath Amidst Tragedy?

Devotees Gather for the ‘Pahandi Bije’ Ritual

Puri: On Sunday, a large number of devotees assembled to witness the revered ‘Pahandi Bije’ ceremony of Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra at the ‘Adapa Mandapa’ of the Gundicha Temple in Puri.

This event occurred shortly after a tragic stampede near the Shree Gundicha Temple resulted in three fatalities and over 50 injuries.

The ‘Adapa Mandap Bije’ ritual is deeply rooted in Jagannath traditions.

During this ceremony, the divine siblings are ceremoniously paraded to the Shree Gundicha Temple.

Situated approximately 3 kilometers from the ancient 12th-century shrine, this temple is regarded as the aunt's residence of Lord Jagannath and his siblings.

As part of the Rath Yatra festivities, the deities visit their aunt's home, where they remain for a week before returning to their primary sanctuary — the Jagannath Temple.

According to legend, the Gundicha Temple is where Lord Viswakarma crafted the wooden idols of the sibling deities, making it a significant site as the birthplace of Lord Jagannath.

The atmosphere was vibrant with chants of ‘Jai Jagannath’ and ‘Haribol’ as the three deities proceeded from their chariots to the Gundicha Temple's sanctum.

Lord Balabhadra was the first to be escorted to the temple, followed by Devi Subhadra, with Lord Jagannath being the last to enter his aunt's abode.