Nilagiri, Jul 2: The sacred occasion of Hera Panchami was observed today with deep devotion and traditional grandeur in Nilgiri.
A major highlight of the day was the rare appearance of Lord Lakshmi-Narayana, drawing a significant crowd of devotees who gathered to seek divine blessings.
As per tradition, Goddess Mahalakshmi, in a gesture of symbolic protest, undertook a ceremonial visit to Gundicha Temple today to meet Lord Jagannath, who has been away from the Srimandir for the annual Rath Yatra.
The ritual is steeped in mythology, marking a unique event where Mahalakshmi, hurt by not being invited for the journey, ventures out in search of her divine consort. In the evening, after the Sandhya Aarti, the goddess began her symbolic journey from the main shrine in a beautifully decorated palanquin, accompanied by Patua servitors and temple priests.
Upon reaching Nandighosha Rath, Mahalakshmi performed several ceremonial offerings, including karpura bandapana, chaula bandapana, and balita bandapana. The rituals symbolised both love and displeasure towards Lord Jagannath for leaving without her.
As part of the reconciliation, Lord Jagannath sent his Adharamala to Mahalakshmi — a traditional token of love — which was presented to her during her journey to the Gundicha Temple. However, as the story goes, an enraged Mahalakshmi, in an act of defiance, damaged a part of the chariot (Nandighosha) before making her way back through the Nakachana Gate, not entering through the main entrance.
This dramatic enactment was followed by the goddess entering the temple, symbolising her return in grief. As a result of her actions, and following the command of the Lord, the Dakshina Moda of the chariot will be carried out in preparation for Bahuda Yatra, the return journey of the deities.
ÜThousands of devotees, overwhelmed with devotion, thronged the temple premises to witness the rare darshan and offered prayers for peace and prosperity.
The Hera Panchami rituals, full of emotion, symbolism, and devotion, once again highlighted the deep mythological and cultural significance of the Rath Yatra celebrations in Odisha.
