Bhubaneswar: Today marks the return of sibling deities Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra to Srimandir which is the last ritual of Rath Yatra. Known as Niladri Bije, the ritual marks the triumphant homecoming of the Holy Trinity – Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra – as they return to their sacred abode, the Srimandir, after their nine-day sojourn at the Gundicha temple.
Niladri Bije is also the concluding ritual that marks the closure of the annual Ratha Yatra festival. However, Lord Jagannath’s homecoming won’t be as smooth as he might have hoped. Goddess Lakshmi has other plans. While she will graciously allow Lord Balabhadra, Goddess Subhadra, and Lord Sudarshana to enter the temple, she will stop Lord Jagannath in his tracks. With a gentle yet firm gesture, she will signal her servitors to close the Jaya Vijaya gate of Singhadwar, temporarily blocking Lord Jagannath’s entry. The stage is set for a divine drama to unfold.
Niladri Bije Ritual Incomplete Sans Rasagola Offering
However, the Niladri Bije ritual sounds incomplete without Rasagola, a sweet delicacy of Odisha. Steeped in tradition and devotion, the sacred ritual of Rasagola has been an integral part of the Shree Jagannath culture for centuries.
The Niladri Bije ritual, marking the homecoming of Lord Jagannath, is a celebration. And what’s a celebration without a sweet treat to seal the deal? Yes, Rasagola, the quintessential Odia dessert, adds a dollop of delight to this divine reunion. This sweetmeat, made from soft, fluffy cottage cheese soaked in sweet syrup, is an offering from Lord Jagannath to his beloved wife, Goddess Lakshmi. It’s said that only after she savours this sweet delight she permits him to re-enter the temple, symbolizing the joy of their reunion. Rasagola is more than just a sweet treat – it’s a symbol of love, devotion, and the eternal bond between Lord Jagannath and Goddess Lakshmi.
As per the legend, Lord Jagannath leaves Goddess Lakshmi behind in the temple as he sets out on a journey to his aunt’s house, accompanied by his siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra. However, their joyful reunion is soon tempered by a tale of love and longing. On the auspicious day of Hera Panchami, Goddess Lakshmi, eager to reunite with her lord, makes her way to the Gundicha temple, only to find that Lord Jagannath has shut the doors on her, denying her entry. This unexpected rebuff sparked a fiery anger within the goddess, setting the stage for a divine drama to unfold to mark the closure of Rath Yatra.
As Lord Jagannath returns to his revered temple after his nine-day journey from Gundicha Temple, he seeks to appease his loving wife, Goddess Lakshmi. Even the Lord of the Universe isn’t immune to the wrath of a loving wife. Lord Jagannath, eager to avoid Goddess Lakshmi’s fiery temper, resorts to the oldest trick in the book: sweet treats. To pacify his beloved wife and appease her anger, he offers her a delicious Rasagola. This tender gesture of love and devotion soothes her heart, allowing her to graciously grant him re-entry into the sacred shrine. To this day, Rasagola remains an essential part of the Shree Jagannath tradition, symbolizing the eternal bond of love and devotion between the divine couple.
On Niladri Bije, the Holy Trinity and Sudarshan will be taken to the Srimandir in a ceremonial procession called Goti Pahandi. The ritual is scheduled to be held in the afternoon. Besides, rituals like Mangala Alati, Mailama, Sakaladhupa, Madhyanna Dhupa, Sandhya Alati and Sandhya Dhupa will be held before the Niladri Bije ritual.
Rashmi Rekha Das
