Finance
Niladri Bije is the final ceremony of Rath Yatra, occurring on the Asadha Shukla Paksha Trayodashi tithi. It is the homecoming celebration for Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Sudarshan to the Ratna Bedi (inner sanctum) of the Srimandir in Puri. A ceremonial procession transports the deities from their individual chariots to the main temple via the Jay Vijaya entrance one by one. After one deity is placed on the Ratna Singhashan, the procession for the next deity begins. This is referred to as ‘Goti Pahandi’.
The ceremonial procession known as Pahandi will commence. Before Pahandi, rituals such as Sandhya Alati (evening worship), Sandhya Dhupa (evening offering) and Charamala Bandha will be performed on the chariots. The throne will be cleaned by Palia sevakas, followed by Pushpanjali (floral offerings) to the deities. The Niladri Bije rituals include Mahasnana (grand bathing), Rosa Homa (fire ritual), Mailama (removal of previous adornments), Chandan Lagi (sandalwood application), Surya Puja, Dwarapala Puja, Bada Singha Besha (grand adornment) and Ratra Pahauda (night rest).
Rasagola Offering In Niladri Bije Ritual
Yes, the Niladri Bije rite would be completed without Rasagola, an Odishan sweet treat. Rasagola, a sacred ceremony steeped in tradition and devotion, has long been a part of Shree Jagannath culture.
The Niladri Bije rite commemorates Lord Jagannath’s return home and is a festival. And what’s a party without a delicious treat to round it off? Yes, Rasagola, the classic Odia dessert, lends a touch of sweetness to this divine reunion. Lord Jagannath’s sweetmeat, comprised of soft, fluffy cottage cheese bathed in sweet syrup, is an offering to his beloved wife, Goddess Lakshmi. It is stated that only after she has savoured this delectable delight does she allow him to re-enter the temple, symbolizing their joyous 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
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.
It is a fascinating rite in which, when Lord Sudarshan, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra enter the temple, Goddess Lakshmi closes the main door. She refuses to let him into the temple grounds in revenge for not allowing her to accompany him to Gundicha Temple. He attempts to persuade her, but she refuses to allow him in. In front of the temple, the servitors representing Goddess Lakshmi and the servitors representing Lord Jagannath engage in a tug-of-war. The struggle ends when Lord Jagannath admits his mistakes and offers ‘Rasagollas’ to his consort. Goddess Lakshmi calms down, accepts his apologies, and lets him enter Shrimandir. The doors are opened and Lord Jagannath finally enters the temple, drawing the curtain on the grand annual event. This auspicious day is also observed as “Rasagolla Dibasa” in Odisha.
