Devotees have darshan of Lord Jagannath

A day after the century's first 'Nabakalebar' Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath commenced here, thousands of devotees had darshan of the new idols of the three deities as their chariots stood in front of Gundicha Temple here today.
As the three colourful chariots, which began their nine-day journey with new idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra from the 12th century shrine, reached Sri Gundicha Temple, thousands of devotees thronged the pilgrim town for darshan on the raths.
Enthusiasm ran high among devotees to have a glimpse of the Lords as the deities remained indoors for 45 days this time due to Nabakalebara, marking change of their bodies, which took place after a gap of 19 years.

Witnessed by around 15 lakh devotees from across the globe, pulling of chariots was held yesterday and Lord Balabhadra's Rath 'Taladhwaja' had reached Gundicha Temple last evening, while the chariots of Devi Subhadra and Lord Jagannath had halted midway on Bada Danda at sunset on the first day of the mega festival.
After all the three chariots today positioned themselves outside Gundicha Temple, regarded as the aunt's place of the Lords, the servitors performed a number of rituals and devotees made a beeline for darshan.
The 45-feet high "Nandighosh", chariot of Lord Jagannath has 16 wheels while Balabhadra's 44 feet high chariot "Taladhawaja" has 14 wheels and Subhadra's 43-feet high chariot "Darpadalan" has 12 wheels.

The deities are slated to be taken inside the Gundicha Temple tomorrow in a ceremonial procession called 'pahandi'.

Their 9-day sojourn would conclude on June 26 when 'Bahuda Yatra' (return car festival) will be held for their return to their abode.
Following the death of two women in a minor stampede during pulling of chariots yesterday, police have taken special measures to prevent any untoward incident today.
Meanwhile, the administration has sought detailed information about the two women from police and hospital authorities so that payment of insurance amount can be considered, a senior official said.
Information about another person who drowned in the sea yesterday has also been sought for the same purpose, he said.