Bhubaneswar: Lord Jagannath and his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra returned to the sanctum sanctorum of Srimandir as the annual Rath Yatra came to an end in Odisha’s Puri city on Monday.

The deities were escorted to the Ratna Bedi (bejeweled throne) at the sanctum sanctorum of the 12th century shrine from their respective chariots through the ceremonial Pahandi procession as part of the Niladri Bije ritual. 

Thousands of devotees congregated on the Grand Road of the Holy City to witness the ritual.

Lord Sudarshan, the holy weapon of Lord Jagannath, is the first to be escorted to the Srimandir sanctum sanctorum, followed by Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra. Lord Jagannath is the last to reach the Ratna Bedi.

As per the temple tradition, Lord Jagannath gifted Rasagola to his consort Goddess Laxmi to appease her before entering the sanctum sanctorum. Goddess Laxmi was miffed as she was left out from the annual Rath Yatra, said a servitor.

Notably, Lord Jagannath and his siblings had embarked on their journey to Srigundicha temple for a nine-day sojourn by riding their chariots on the Grand Road on the occasion of Rath Yatra on July 16.

After making a night halt midway, the deities reached Saradhabali near Srigundicha temple on July 17. The deities were escorted to the Adapa Mandap of Srigundicha temple from their chariots the next day.

The deities returned to the Lions’ Gate of the 12th century shrine from Srigundicha temple by riding their chariots after completion of their nine-day sojourn on the occasion of Bahuda Yatra on July 24. They were adorned with the Suna Besha (Golden Attire) on their chariots on July 25.

The sibling deities were offered Adharapana (a delicious drink) on their chariots on July 26.