The grand spectacle of the Puri Rath Yatra, a festival that transforms the sacred city into a vibrant sea of humanity, reaches its poignant and spiritually charged conclusion today, Tuesday, with the ancient ceremony of Niladri Bije. This is not merely an end, but a divine homecoming, a day when Lord Jagannath, after his nine-day sojourn, returns to the sanctum sanctorum, the Ratna Singhasana (the bejewelled throne) of the 12th-century Jagannath Temple. The culmination is marked by a series of intricate rituals, profound symbolism, and a uniquely human-like divine drama that underscores the deep cultural and religious heritage of Odisha.
For days, the colossal wooden chariots of the Holy Trinity—Lord Jagannath’s Nandighosa, Lord Balabhadra’s Taladhwaja, and Devi Subhadra’s Darpadalana—have been the centre of the universe for millions. Having completed their return journey, the Bahuda Yatra, from the Gundicha Temple, they have stood majestically before the Simhadwar (Lion’s Gate), with the deities presiding from their thrones, granting darshan to the countless devotees who flock for a final glimpse. Now, as twilight descends upon Puri, the stage is set for the final act of this divine play, a ceremony that is as intimate as the Rath Yatra is public, focusing on reconciliation, spiritual fulfilment, and the re-establishment of divine order within the sacred temple walls.
The Prelude to Homecoming: Adhar Pana, a Drink for the Divine Guardians
Before the deities could begin their final journey back into the temple, a crucial and deeply symbolic ritual known as Adhar Pana was performed on Monday evening. This ceremony, a pivotal moment of the car festival, serves as a gesture of gratitude and pacification, setting a serene and respectful tone for the concluding events.
“Adhar Pana” literally translates from Odia to “Lip Drink,” a name derived from the tall, barrel-shaped earthen pots that are specially crafted to reach the lips of the deities on their respective chariots. This is not an offering for the Holy Trinity alone. Its profound symbolism lies in its purpose: to quench the thirst of the myriad spiritual beings, the ethereal guardians (Rath Rakshyaks), subsidiary deities like Chandi and Chamunda, and even the disembodied souls who are believed to accompany the Lords on their chariots during the grand procession. It is an act of cosmic compassion, ensuring that every entity, seen and unseen, that participated in the divine journey is satisfied and at peace.
The preparation of this sacred libation is a meticulous process, undertaken with the utmost ritual purity. Suara Sevayats (temple cooks) prepare the heavenly drink, a rich concoction of chhena (fresh cheese), creamy milk, sugar, banana, fragrant camphor, warming nutmeg, and piquant black pepper. The water used is sourced from a specific well near the Simhadwar Chhauni Math and carried in brass vessels by Paniya Apat Sevayats to maintain its sanctity.
Nine large earthen pots, three for each deity on their chariot, were filled with the Adhar Pana. This offering, a collaborative effort of the Bada Odia Mutt, Raghav Das Mutt, and the temple administration, was presented to the deities after the Madhyana Dhupa (midday offering). Following a Panchopachar Puja by the Palia Puja Panda servitors, the pots were ceremonially broken. The spilling of the entire contents onto the floor of the chariots is a deliberate act. It is believed that this allows the parshwa devatas (guardian deities) and other spirits to partake in the offering, achieving salvation (moksha). This powerful ritual, witnessed by lakhs of devotees, underscores a fundamental principle of Jagannath culture: a universe of inclusivity and the acknowledgement of all forms of existence.
A Divine Tiff: The Laxmi Narayan Kali and the Sweetness of Rasgulla
Perhaps the most eagerly anticipated and cherished ritual of Niladri Bije is the “Laxmi Narayan Kali” (the quarrel between Goddess Laxmi and Lord Jagannath). This tradition transforms the divine into the deeply personal, playing out a story of marital discord and sweet reconciliation that resonates with devotees on a profoundly human level.
The saga begins earlier in the Rath Yatra. Lord Jagannath embarks on his nine-day vacation to his aunt’s home, the Gundicha Temple, accompanied by his siblings, but leaves his consort, Goddess Mahalaxmi, behind in the main temple. Feeling neglected and hurt, her anger simmers. Her displeasure intensifies during the Hera Panchami ritual, when she travels to the Gundicha temple to see her husband, only to find the doors shut. In a fit of pique, she damages a part of his chariot, Nandighosa, before returning to the main temple, vowing to teach him a lesson.
On Niladri Bije, as Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra are smoothly escorted into the temple, the main gate, Jaya Vijaya Dwara, is slammed shut on the orders of an indignant Goddess Mahalaxmi just as Lord Jagannath is about to enter. He is left outside, barred from his own home.
What follows is a beautiful enactment of a lover’s quarrel. The Daitapati servitors, representing Lord Jagannath, and the Devadasi servitors, on behalf of Goddess Mahalaxmi, engage in a poetic dialogue of pleas and recriminations. Lord Jagannath attempts to explain his actions and placate his beloved wife, but she remains steadfast.
It is here that the quintessential Odia delicacy, the Rasgulla, plays its legendary role. Understanding that words alone will not suffice, Lord Jagannath offers a peace offering: a bowl of delicious, syrupy Rasgullas. This sweet gesture, a symbol of his love and regret, finally melts the heart of Goddess Mahalaxmi. Her anger subsides, she accepts his apology, and the temple gates are thrown open for him to enter.
This tradition is so central to the culture that Niladri Bije is also celebrated as “Rasagola Dibasa” (Rasgulla Day) in Odisha. It is a testament to the historical and cultural fact, recognized by its Geographical Indication (GI) tag, that the sweet has been an integral part of Jagannath temple rituals for centuries. This divine ‘Manabhanjana’ (appeasement of the beloved) beautifully illustrates that even gods are bound by the threads of love, misunderstanding, and the sweet acts of reconciliation that define relationships.
The Final Procession: The Rhythmic Grandeur of the Pahandi
With Goddess Mahalaxmi appeased, the final, majestic procession known as Pahandi begins. Scheduled to commence at 4 pm and conclude by 10 pm on Tuesday, this is the ceremonial escorting of the deities from their chariots back to the Ratna Singhasana. Unlike the boisterous energy of the Rath Yatra pull, the Pahandi is a slow, rhythmic, and deeply devotional affair.
There are different types of Pahandi, and for Niladri Bije, the “Goti Pahandi” is performed. In this style, the deities are moved one by one. The next deity’s procession only begins after the previous one has been securely placed inside the sanctum. The procession is led by Lord Sudarshan, followed by Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and finally, the Lord of the Universe, Jagannath.
The word “Pahandi” is derived from the word ‘pada,’ meaning foot. The movement itself is a spectacle of coordinated effort and devotion. The heavy wooden idols are moved in a swaying, step-by-step motion, creating an illusion of a gentle, colossal being walking. This rhythmic sway is controlled by the Daitapati servitors using thick silken ropes. The air vibrates with the sounds of gongs (ghanta), cymbals (kahali), and the telingi baja drum, creating a spiritual symphony that guides the deities home. For the devotees witnessing this, it is an intimate and powerful experience, a final, close interaction with their beloved Lords before they return to the inner sanctum.
An Intricate Tapestry of Rituals: Re-establishing Divine Sanctity
The homecoming of the deities is not merely a physical transfer but a comprehensive process of ritualistic reconsecration. Before the Pahandi can even begin, a series of rites are performed on the chariots, including Sandhya Alati (evening lamp offering) and Sandhya Dhupa (evening food offering).
Once inside the temple, the Niladri Bije rituals are elaborate and profound, aimed at cleansing, adorning, and formally reinstalling the deities on their celestial throne. These intricate ceremonies, performed by specialized servitors, continue through the night and include:
- Mahasnana (Grand Bathing): A ceremonial purification of the deities after their long journey and stay outside.
- Rosa Homa (Fire Ritual): A sacred fire ceremony performed within the temple kitchen to sanctify it once again for the preparation of Mahaprasad.
- Mailama (Removal of Adornments): The deities are divested of the attire and decorations they wore during the Yatra.
- Chandan Lagi (Sandalwood Application): The idols are anointed with fragrant sandalwood paste, a cooling and purifying act.
- Surya Puja and Dwarapala Puja: Worship offered to the Sun God and the guardian deities of the temple gates.
- Bada Singhara Besha (Grand Adornment): This is the final and one of the most beautiful adornments of the day. The deities are dressed in special clothes and decorated with floral ornaments, preparing them for their night’s rest.
- Ratra Pahauda (Night Rest): The final ritual, where the deities are put to ceremonial sleep, signifying the complete restoration of normalcy and the conclusion of the entire Rath Yatra festival.
The Sri Jagannath Temple Administration has undertaken extensive and elaborate arrangements to ensure the smooth and sacred conduct of these concluding events. With thousands of devotees converging on the holy city to witness this divine homecoming, meticulous planning for crowd management and security is paramount, allowing the faithful to soak in the spiritual atmosphere of this unique and blessed occasion.
Niladri Bije is more than a festival’s end; it is the reaffirmation of a timeless cycle. It is the story of a journey and a return, of separation and joyous reunion, of divine anger and sweet forgiveness. As Lord Jagannath, appeased and reunited with his consort, finally reclaims his throne, it symbolises the restoration of cosmic balance and the enduring, deeply personal bond between the deity and the devotee, a bond that makes the Puri Rath Yatra one of the most profound spiritual spectacles on Earth.
Niladri Bije 2025 – Key Rituals, Significance & Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Festival Culmination | Marks the final return of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra to the Ratna Singhasana in the Jagannath Temple, Puri, after the 9-day sojourn to Gundicha Temple. |
| Date of Ceremony (2025) | Tuesday, July 8, 2025 |
| Location | Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha |
| Preceding Ritual | Adhar Pana – Sacred drink offered on chariots to pacify and bid farewell to accompanying celestial entities like Rath Rakshyaks, Chandi, Chamunda, and other ethereal beings. |
| Adhar Pana Ingredients | Chhena, milk, sugar, banana, camphor, nutmeg, black pepper. Prepared by Suara Sevayats using holy water from Simhadwar Chhauni Math. |
| Number of Pots Offered | Nine (3 for each deity) – later broken to release the drink for spiritual beings. |
| Unique Mythical Episode | Laxmi Narayan Kali – A divine quarrel between Goddess Mahalaxmi and Lord Jagannath for leaving her behind during the Rath Yatra. |
| Key Symbol of Reconciliation | Rasgulla – Offered by Lord Jagannath to appease Goddess Mahalaxmi, representing sweet reconciliation and emotional return. |
| Cultural Relevance | The day is also celebrated as Rasagola Dibasa in Odisha, highlighting the sweet’s historical link to Jagannath tradition. |
| Final Procession | Goti Pahandi – Sequential entry of the deities (Sudarshan, Balabhadra, Subhadra, Jagannath) into the sanctum sanctorum with rhythmic swaying movements. |
| Musical Elements | Traditional instruments like ghanta (gongs), kahali (cymbals), telingi baja (drums) fill the air during the procession. |
| Post-Entry Rituals | |
| → Mahasnana | Ritual bathing of the deities after their outdoor stay. |
| → Rosa Homa | Fire ritual to purify the temple kitchen for Mahaprasad preparation. |
| → Mailama | Removal of old attire and accessories. |
| → Chandan Lagi | Sandalwood paste applied for cooling and sanctity. |
| → Surya & Dwarapala Puja | Worship of Sun God and temple gatekeepers. |
| → Bada Singhara Besha | Grandest decoration of the deities with flowers and ornaments before night rest. |
| → Ratra Pahauda | The ceremonial sleeping of the deities, concluding the day and the Rath Yatra. |
| Spiritual Symbolism | Represents divine reconciliation, emotional intimacy, cosmic balance, and the unbreakable bond between deity and devotee. |
| Organisers & Role | Sri Jagannath Temple Administration, Suara Sevayats, Daitapatis, Paniya Apat Sevayats, Palia Puja Pandas, Devadasis. |
| Security & Crowd Measures | Large-scale crowd control and security management undertaken due to lakhs of devotees present during the ceremony. |
Niladri Bije 2025 – Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is Niladri Bije and why is it significant in the Rath Yatra festival?
A: Niladri Bije is the concluding ritual of the Puri Rath Yatra, when Lord Jagannath, along with Balabhadra and Subhadra, returns to the inner sanctum of the Jagannath Temple after a nine-day stay at the Gundicha Temple. It marks a divine homecoming, symbolizing spiritual fulfillment, reconciliation, and the re-establishment of cosmic balance.
Q2. When is Niladri Bije observed in 2025?
A: Niladri Bije is being observed on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. It marks the end of the Bahuda Yatra and the final entry of the deities into the sanctum sanctorum.
Q3. What is the Adhar Pana ritual and what does it symbolize?
A: Adhar Pana is a sacred drink offered on the evening before Niladri Bije. Large earthen pots filled with a rich mixture of milk, chhena, sugar, banana, camphor, and spices are placed on each chariot. After ritual worship, the pots are deliberately broken to allow the Rath Rakshyaks (celestial guardians) and other unseen divine participants to symbolically partake and attain peace or moksha.
Q4. Why does Goddess Mahalaxmi initially refuse Lord Jagannath entry into the temple?
A: During the Rath Yatra, Lord Jagannath leaves for Gundicha Temple without taking Goddess Mahalaxmi. Offended by being left behind, she symbolically expresses her displeasure during the Hera Panchami ritual. On Niladri Bije, she asserts her independence by closing the temple gates on Jagannath, leading to a ritual quarrel known as Laxmi Narayan Kali.
Q5. How is the divine reconciliation between Lord Jagannath and Goddess Mahalaxmi achieved?
A: The reconciliation is beautifully enacted when Lord Jagannath offers Rasgullas, the famous syrupy sweet, as a peace offering to appease Goddess Mahalaxmi. Her anger melts, she forgives him, and finally allows him to enter the temple. This symbolic act reflects love, humility, and the sweetness of forgiveness.
Q6. What is the cultural relevance of Rasgulla in Niladri Bije?
A: Rasgulla holds both ritualistic and cultural significance. It has been part of Jagannath Temple traditions for centuries and is central to the reconciliation ritual. Odisha celebrates this day as Rasagola Dibasa to honor this unique blend of culinary heritage and divine narrative.
Q7. What is Pahandi, and how is it performed during Niladri Bije?
A: Pahandi is the ceremonial procession of the deities from their chariots back to the sanctum. During Niladri Bije, Goti Pahandi is performed, where each deity is escorted one by one in a rhythmic swaying motion by the Daitapati servitors. The air resonates with devotional music from traditional instruments like gongs, cymbals, and drums.
Q8. Which rituals are performed once the deities re-enter the temple?
A: After entering the temple, a sequence of intricate rituals is performed, including:
- Mahasnana (ceremonial bathing)
- Rosa Homa (fire purification)
- Mailama (removal of yatra attire)
- Chandan Lagi (sandalwood application)
- Surya and Dwarapala Puja
- Bada Singhara Besha (grand adornment)
- Ratra Pahauda (ceremonial rest)
These rituals restore the temple’s spiritual sanctity and prepare the deities for regular worship.
Q9. Who manages the rituals and arrangements during Niladri Bije?
A: The Sri Jagannath Temple Administration, along with temple servitors such as Daitapatis, Suara Sevayats, Pania Apat Sevayats, Devadasis, and Palia Puja Pandas, coordinate the entire process. Special attention is also given to crowd management, security, and preservation of ritual purity.
Q10. What deeper spiritual meaning does Niladri Bije carry for devotees?
A: Niladri Bije reflects timeless spiritual truths—divine love, reconciliation, inclusion, and forgiveness. It shows that even divinity experiences the cycles of separation, misunderstanding, and reunion. For devotees, it is a reminder of the personal, emotional bond they share with Lord Jagannath and a reaffirmation of cosmic order.