Sandhya Darshan is a highly respected ritual celebrated during the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha. This event is held at the Gundicha Temple on the evening before the Bahuda Yatra, marking the return of Lord Jagannatha, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra to their original temple. During this special darshan, thousands of devotees come together to receive the divine blessings of the deities. Recently, on Thursday, devotees in Puri had their last chance to witness the Sandhya Darshan of Lord Jagannatha, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra at the Adapa Mandap of Shree Gundicha Temple before the Bahuda Yatra commenced.

The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has requested that devotees work with temple officials and security staff to ensure the rituals proceed smoothly as Jagannath Mahaprabhu prepares to depart from his aunt’s residence and return to Srimandir.

What is Sandhya Darshan?

The term “Sandhya” signifies evening, while “Darshan” refers to the sacred experience of seeing and receiving blessings from a deity. This ritual offers devotees a chance to pray to the deities as they prepare to depart from the Gundicha Temple, where they have resided for several days following the Rath Yatra. The public was allowed entry for Sandhya Darshan through the Singhadwara of Gundicha Temple until 6 PM on Thursday, after which preparations for the return procession of the Holy Trinity began.

Rituals during Sandhya Darshan

Traditionally, Lord Jagannatha and his siblings stay at the Gundicha Temple, regarded as the residence of their maternal aunt, during the festival. Sandhya Darshan signifies the final evening of their stay prior to the grand return procession. The temple is splendidly adorned, and the atmosphere is alive with devotional chants, bhajans, and traditional musical sounds, creating a spiritually enriching environment.

Spiritual significance

Experiencing Sandhya Darshan is deemed extremely auspicious. It is believed that prayers offered during this sacred moment foster peace, prosperity, and the blessings of Lord Jagannatha.

The following day, the deities commence their Bahuda Yatra, making their way back to the Jagannath Temple in their grand wooden chariots. They pause at the Mausi Maa Temple along the route, where Lord Jagannatha is presented with the traditional Poda Pitha.