The grand festival of the world-famous Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha, has reached its final and most spiritually charged phase. After resting for nine days at their maternal aunt's house (the Gundicha Temple), Lord Jagannath, along with his elder brother Lord Balabhadra and sister Goddess Subhadra, is preparing to journey back to their primary abode—the Shrimandir (Jagannath Temple).
In Odia culture and Vedic scriptures, this return chariot journey of the deities is beautifully celebrated as 'Bahuda Yatra' or the 'Ulta Rath Yatra'. Let’s explore the significance of this sacred return, the traditional rituals involved, and the unique sweet treat the Lord stops to enjoy along the way.
According to the traditional lunar calendar, Bahuda Yatra is observed every year on the Dashami Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashadha. Marking the end of their nine-day stay, the three majestic chariots—Nandighosha (Lord Jagannath), Taladhwaja (Lord Balabhadra), and Darpadalan (Goddess Subhadra)—are once again pulled by a massive sea of ecstatic devotees heading back toward the main temple.
During this return journey, the symbolic ritual of 'Chera Pahara' (sweeping the chariot floors with a golden broom) is performed once more by the King of Puri. This profound custom beautifully signifies that before the Almighty, every human being, regardless of being a king or a commoner, is merely a humble servant.
A heartwarming and deeply emotional folklore is attached to the Bahuda Yatra. As Lord Jagannath's chariot rolls back toward the main shrine, the grand procession stops midway at the 'Mausi Maa Temple' (the temple of His maternal aunt).
Here, the Lord's aunt prepares a highly unique and traditional baked sweet called 'Poda Pitha' as a loving offering. Made out of rice, grated coconut, jaggery, and chenna (cottage cheese), it is believed that the Lord never enters His main temple without savoring this special dish cooked by His aunt. This beautiful tradition highlights the deeply personal, sweet, and familial bond that connects the Lord with His devotees.
While witnessing the forward journey of the Rath Yatra brings immense spiritual merit, the scriptures place an even higher significance on witnessing the 'Bahuda Yatra'—the Lord sitting on His return chariot.
Attainment of Liberation (Moksha): It is widely believed that any devotee who catches a glimpse of Lord Jagannath returning to His home on His chariot receives the merit equivalent to performing a hundred sacred sacrifices, freeing the soul from the endless loop of rebirth.
The Suna Besha Grandeur: Upon reaching the main temple, the deities do not immediately go inside. The following day, they are adorned in the breathtaking 'Suna Besha'—a spectacular ritual where the deities are dressed entirely in pure gold attire right on their chariots, attracting millions of pilgrims worldwide. This is followed by 'Adhara Pana' and finally the 'Niladri Bije' ritual, marking their formal return to the sanctum sanctorum.
Lord Jagannath's divine plays (Leelas) remind us that the Supreme Divine is driven purely by love. Even as the master of the cosmos, He takes out time to visit His aunt's home as a guest and absolutely insists on stopping for her handmade Poda Pitha on the way back. The Bahuda Yatra serves as a beautiful spiritual reminder for all of us to always honor our roots, express deep gratitude, and return to our ultimate source. Jai Jagannath!