NANDIGHOSHA ARRIVES AT GUNDICHA TEMPLE AS LORD JAGANNATH’S SACRED JOURNEY COMPLETES AMID DEVOTION AND FESTIVITY

The sacred Gundicha Yatra of Puri Rath Yatra reached its divine conclusion on Friday as Lord Jagannath’s Nandighosha chariot arrived at the Gundicha Temple, completing the journey of the Holy Trinity.

Earlier, the chariots of Lord Balabhadra (Taladhwaja) and Devi Subhadra (Darpadalana) had also reached their destination amid the chants of thousands of devotees gathered on the Bada Danda.

The chariot pulling began on Thursday afternoon but was halted overnight as the procession extended beyond the traditional time. Due to rain-soaked conditions, the three chariots were secured at different points before the journey resumed on Friday morning.

Devotees once again pulled the majestic chariots towards Saradha Bali, where the Gundicha Temple is located, completing the grand procession with immense faith and enthusiasm.

This year, an advanced waterproof braking system was used on all three chariots to enhance safety during the procession. The system helps control the movement of the over 40-tonne wooden chariots, especially during sudden stops and slippery conditions.

Originally developed by retired engineer Ashwini Kumar Mishra, the innovative braking mechanism uses specially designed rubber straps, sal wood components and a chain-pulley system, ensuring a safer Rath Yatra experience for millions of devotees.

The Holy Trinity will now remain at Gundicha Temple for their week-long stay, with the Adapa Bije ritual scheduled next.