The curtains have come down on the Rath Yatra festival in Odisha’s seaside pilgrim town of Puri, as the Holy Trinity returned to the sanctum sanctorum of Srimandir after their annual sojourn to the Mausi Maa temple. The nine-day-long Rath Yatra concluded on Friday with the return of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra to Puri Srimandir. This event, known as Niladri Bije, beautifully showcased the divine love between Lord Jagannath and Goddess Lakshmi.
Divine Reunion and Rituals
In the Niladri Bije ritual, the deities return to their abode, highlighting the heavenly love and affection between Lord Jagannath and His wife, Goddess Lakshmi. The process began after the evening Dhupa (sandhya Dhupa) with the fixing of charamalas to each of the three chariots. Mudiratha servitors offered puspanajali (floral offerings) and performed the “doralagi” ritual.
The Pahandi procession, marked by the blowing of a bugle by Kahalia servitors, saw Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra taken to the bejeweled altar (Ratna Bedi). Ancillary deities such as Rama and Krishna from Taladhwaja and Madan Mohan from Nandighosh were first taken to the Dakshini Ghara on the Srimandir premises.
The Emotional Exchange
The ritual was marked by a poignant exchange between Lord Jagannath and Goddess Lakshmi. As per tradition, Goddess Lakshmi, who stayed back in the Srimandir during the annual sojourn, closed the main gate (Lions’ gate) in her dismay. However, Lord Jagannath proceeded, and the gate eventually opened. An emotional exchange unfolded as Goddess Lakshmi initially closed the Jaya-Bijaya door out of anger for being left behind.
A ritualistic exchange of words between the Devadasi (women servitors) on behalf of Lakshmi and Badagrahi Daitas and other Daitapatis on behalf of Lord Jagannath followed. Lord Jagannath assured Goddess Lakshmi that such an incident would not repeat. To pacify her, He offered Rasagollas, symbolizing his love and apology.
Conclusion of the Ritual
With the acceptance of Lord Jagannath’s apology, Goddess Lakshmi directed the opening of the Jaya-Bijay doors, allowing Lord Jagannath to proceed. Both deities exchanged looks, marking the reconciliation. Finally, Lord Jagannath and His siblings were enthroned on the bejeweled altar, and the Daitas and Patimahapatra servitors offered sandal paste.
The removal of charamala from the bejeweled altar by Kothasuansia servitors marked the end of the Niladri Bije ritual, bringing down the curtains on the nine-day-long annual sojourn of the deities.
Significance of the Rath Yatra
Rath Yatra is one of Odisha’s main festivals, commemorating the annual journey of Lord Jagannath and his siblings from the Jagannath temple to their aunt’s abode at Gundicha temple. This festival not only holds immense religious significance but also exemplifies the rich cultural heritage of Odisha, drawing millions of devotees from across the globe.
The conclusion of Rath Yatra 2024 once again highlighted the enduring devotion and cultural splendor that Puri and the festival represent.
Prasanta Patnaik 
Simanchal