Puri, July 21 (UDN): The sacred Hera Panchami ritual, one of the most significant ceremonies associated with the annual Rath Yatra, was observed with traditional grandeur in Puri on Monday. The festival, held on the fifth day of the deities’ stay at the Shree Gundicha Temple, symbolises the divine reunion and playful disagreement between Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Jagannath.
The rituals began at the Srimandir, where Goddess Lakshmi was ceremonially bathed in the Bhandara Ghara by the Palia Mahajana servitors. Following the sacred bath, the Banaka Lagi ritual was performed, after which the Goddess was adorned with a traditional Pata saree, exquisite ornaments, and floral decorations.
Ceremonial Procession to Gundicha Temple
Amid the sounds of bells, kahali, and traditional musical instruments, the Bimanabadu servitors carried Goddess Lakshmi in an ornate palanquin from the Singhadwara along the Bada Danda to the Gundicha Temple. The procession was accompanied by ceremonial umbrellas and devotees who gathered in large numbers to witness the revered event.
The palanquin was placed beside Lord Jagannath’s Nandighosha Rath, where several customary rituals, including Prasad Lagi, Bandapana, Chamar Alata, Ghasa Bidia, and Dahi Pati Manohi, were performed late into the night by the temple servitors.
Symbolic Expression of Divine Displeasure
The highlight of Hera Panchami came when Goddess Lakshmi’s palanquin was brought near the Nandighosha Rath. In keeping with centuries-old tradition, a small wooden portion of Lord Jagannath’s chariot was symbolically damaged, representing the Goddess’s displeasure over being left behind when Lord Jagannath departed for the Rath Yatra without her.
According to temple tradition, the symbolic act reflects Goddess Lakshmi’s anger and sorrow while also portraying the affectionate and human-like relationship between the divine couple. After the ritual, the Goddess returned to the Srimandir through the Hera Gohiri Sahi route, marking the conclusion of the ceremony.
Chariots to Face South Ahead of Bahuda Yatra
Attention will now shift to the next important ritual of the Rath Yatra as the three majestic chariots are scheduled to be turned southwards on Tuesday.
Following the Sakala Dhupa rituals and the offering of the Agyanmala, Devi Subhadra’s Darpadalana Rath will be repositioned first, followed by Lord Balabhadra’s Taladhwaja Rath, and finally Lord Jagannath’s Nandighosha Rath. The chariots will then be aligned near the Nakachana Dwara, completing another key ceremonial milestone before the Bahuda Yatra (return journey).
Hera Panchami remains one of the most cherished rituals of the Rath Yatra, beautifully portraying devotion, emotion, and the timeless divine bond between Lord Jagannath and Goddess Lakshmi.