Niladri Bije is more than a return journey of Lord Jagannath and his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra. It’s a tale of love, longing, and appeasement, as the Lord of the Universe tries to win back his wrathful wife with a sweet gesture – offering her the delectable Rasagola.
Just like any other couple, Lord Jagannath and Goddess Lakshmi have their fair share of quarrels. When Jagannath sets off for the Gundicha temple without her, Lakshmi gets upset, feeling left out and unloved.
With the stage now set for the grand return of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra to the Srimandir, Ommcom News brings you an in-depth look into the significance of Niladri Bije.
Niladri Bije marks the closure of the annual Rath 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 and the world will witness the tender moment when Lord Jagannath attempts to appease Goddess Lakshmi with Rasagola, a sweet gesture to win back her love and affection.
Niladri Bije Ritual Incomplete Without Rasagola Offering
Yes, 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.
Without exaggeration it can be said that 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.
Legend
As the legend goes, Lord Jagannath embarks on a journey to his aunt’s house with his siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, leaving Goddess Lakshmi behind in the temple. On Hera Panchami, Goddess Lakshmi rushes to the Gundicha temple to reunite with her Lord, only to be met with closed doors. This rejection sparks her fiery anger, setting the stage for a divine drama to unfold.
As Lord Jagannath returns to his temple after his nine-day journey, he’s eager to appease his loving wife’s wrath. Even the Lord of the Universe can’t escape the fiery temper of a loving wife. To pacify Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Jagannath resorts to the ultimate peace offering: Rasagola. This sweet gesture melts her heart, and she graciously grants him re-entry into the sacred shrine. To this day, Rasagola remains a symbol of the eternal bond of love and devotion between the divine couple, showcasing the power of sweet treats in love and relationships.
By Rashmi Rekha Das
