GUNDICHA ENTRY OF CAR FESTIVAL

(i) Madanamohana and Ramakrushna are first of all taken inside.
(ii) Mailama (change of dress) is conducted on the Rathas.
(iii) Daitas carry the deities inside Gundicha Mandir ceremonially.

THE SOJOURN
(In the Gundicha temple for seven days)
The Simhasana in Gundicha Mandir unlike the Ratnavedi is known as Mahavedi or the Janmavedi.It is said that the deities were born here and here Raja Indradyumna conducted the historic aswamedha yajna. The temple is also known as the Mahavedi,the Yajna Mandap,the Janakapuri and Narsimha Kshetra.During their sojourn in Gundicha (adapa) the deities are dressed in Dasavatara Vesha.

Sri Jagannath alias Sri Narayana is yet to return to Niladri.Four weary nights have already passed Mahalakshmi becomes disconsolate.She goes to the Gundicha Temple on the 5th day (Hera Panchami).The main doors of Gundicha temple are suddenly closed with a bang.She returns with a heavy heart and in a fit of anger breaks a small part of the Nandighosa(The chariot of Lord Jagannath) and returns to the temple via Hera Gouri Sahi.

After spending a week inside the Gundicha temple,the deities commence their Bahudas yatra on Asadha Shukla dasami. The preceding evening is exclusively meant for 'Sandhya Darshna'.On the previous day,the chariots are placed south-west.The return journey follows the same protocol and schedule,as is found during the Ratha Yatra.

At Dasavatara Matha,before the samadhi os Salabega,the Nandighosa halts for a spell.

At Ardhasani (Mausima),the deities are offered podapitha (sweet cake). Nandighosa halts at Rathakhala or Rajakuta (in front of Raja's palace) whereas Darpadalana and Taladhwja move forward and are parked at Simhadwara.

In the meanwhile Mahalakshmi steals a glimpse of Nandighosa from the Chahani Mandapa, hurries to Lord Jagannath by palanquin,meets Him,receives a loving garland and goes back to the Temple where She awaits Niladrinath.

(i) On the day of Bahuda the Deities remain in their respective chariots parked near the Simhadwara.
(ii) The next day (ekadashi),the deities are dresseed in glittering gold (Suns Vesha) on their chariots.
(iii) After the strenuous Bahuda journey,the deities are offered the most refreshing drink,famed as Adhara Pana in a huge container that almost touches the lips of the deities.
(iv) Niladri Vije or Dwadashi Yatra(Re-entey)
After the evening ritual the deities enter Niladri in Goti Pahandi.Balabhadra and subhadra are taken to the sanctum sanctorum without any impediments whereas the entey of Jagannath is met with many a pleasant hurdle.Devadasis at the behest of Lakshmi close the main entrance for a spell and they close the Jaya-Vijaya dwara and engage themselves in a pleasant repartee with the daitas.After that,Jagannath is made to sit beside Lakshmi where a ritual of reunion is rehearsed and finally Lord Jaganath ascends the Ratnasimhasana and rejoins His brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra.Procession of the Holy Trinity over a month by the Daitas(said to be Lord jagannath's Kinsmen) from the Anavasara to Niladri Vije is now transferred to the routine servitors of the Temple.