Every year lakhs of devotees throng Puri for the auspicious Rath Yatra. This festival gives devotees a chance to be a part of the journey of Lord Jagannath, and His siblings Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra from Srimandir to Gundicha temple for their annual sojourn.
Amid the fervent devotion of Jagannath-lovers from all around the globe, the highlight of this magnificent event is the enchanting spectacle known as Pahandi Bije.
Pahandi Bije, a crucial ritual during Ratha Yatra, symbolises the act of the deities descending from the Ratna Singhasan to embark upon their sacred chariots.
There are two types of Pahandi — Dhadi Pahandi and Goti Pahandi. Dhadi Pahadi — where deities are brought one after another simultaneously — is performed when the Trinity is brought from the Srimandir to the chariots. Goti Pahandi — in which the next deity is brought to the chariot only after the first one reaches — is performed during the Bahuda Bije.
The devotees ululate beyond limit as the deities step out of the Singhadwara fitted with large, elaborate floral tiaras called ‘tahia’. The Trinity is brought to the chariots in slow, swaying movements amid melodic strains of traditional musical instruments and the chants of sacred hymns.
Tahias are brought to the temple the very morning of Rath Yatra and then placed on the heads of the Trinity before they are brought to their respective chariots. These headgears are made of flowers, bamboo strips, and other decorative items. Tahias have traditionally been made and supplied by authorities at Raghav Das Matha, located in front of the southern gate of Srimandir.
Also read: Rath Yatra 2023: Unveiling the mystical journey of Lord Jagannath in Odisha’s Puri
Amid the sea of devotees, the Pahandi Bije progresses, offering glimpses of divine harmony and spiritual ecstasy. The sight of the deities evokes awe and reverence among onlookers. During the Pahandi Bije, servitors first bring Lord Sudarshan, then Lord Balabhadra, afterward Goddess Subhadra and at last Lord Jagannath to their respective ornately decorated chariots.
The deities are carefully placed on their respective chariots, and the processions continue as they are further embellished with vibrant decorations, symbolic ornaments, and fragrant flowers.
Legend of tahia
Researcher Dukhi Shyam Behera in his book ‘Srikshetra Jijnasa’ has written that once during the reign of Gajapati Purusottama Dev, the sculpture of Madan Mohan, the representative deity of Lord Jagannath, got submerged in the Narendra Pushkarini due to heavy storm. Later, at the request of the Gajapati, Mahant Raghav Das donated an idol of Madan Mohan from his matha to Srimandir. In return, Raghav Das requested the Gajapati to grant his matha the right to provide tahias during Rath Yatra. Since then, Raghav Das Matha prepares tahias for Rath Yatra every year.
BY- HARIHARA KAR, OP