After Hera Panchami rituals, on 6th day all three Ratha ( Chariots ) are prepared for return Journey, they will turn to south. This turning mode to south of all Rathas are called Dakshina Moda. After the preparation of Dakshina Moda, all three chariots ( Ratha ) keep near Nakachana Dwara eastern Gate of Gundicha Temple towards main Temple ( Jagannath Mandir ). Following are some common beliefs are connected to this ritual.
According to legend, during dakshina moda, Bibhisan, Ravan’s brother, caught a glimpse of the Lord from faraway Lanka.
[/wc_box] [wc_box color=”secondary” text_align=”left”]There is also a belief that people who get a darshan of the dakshina moda are sure to attain salvation
[/wc_box] [wc_box color=”secondary” text_align=”left”]Apart from dakshina moda, the other festivity that was observed on the 6th day was the beginning of the three-day rasalila of Lord Jagannath. The idol of Lord Jagannath is escorted to rasa mandap in Gundicha temple where hymns from Gita Govinda and ancient couplets are sung in praise of the Lord. Jagannath temple is the Lord’s permanent abode, but when he is out on vacation at Gundicha temple, he enjoys himself just as we humans do. During rasalila, the interaction between Krishna and the gopis is enacted through hymns. These were earlier sung by Devadasis, but now servitors have taken over. It is a spiritual festival that takes place during the last three days of ratha jatra here.
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