Puri: The three chariots of Lord Jagannath and siblings Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra took 'Dakshina Moda' (southward turn) for return to Srimandir after deities' a week-long stay at the Gundicha Temple during 9-day Ratha Jatra.

The Nandighosha (chariot of Lord Jagannath), Taladhwaja (chariot of Lord Balabhadra) and Darpadalan (chariot of Devi Subhadra) were placed near Nakachana Dwara, eastern Gate of Gundicha temple, two days before Bahuda Jatra of deities.

The Dakshina Moda rituals of Nandighosha chariot were held in the morning after auspicious Hera Panchami on Monday evening. Yesterday, the chariots of Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra were kept near the Nakachana Dwara of Gundicha Temple.

With the chariots taking the southward turn, the preparations will be made for return of deities to the Jagannath Temple from Gundicha Temple on Bahuda Jatra scheduled on July 12.

There is a belief that the devotees, who witness Dakshina Moda rituals, attain salvation.