Puri , July 27 (UDN): The sacred city of Puri is set to witness the Niladri Bije ceremony on Monday, bringing the world-famous Rath Yatra to a ceremonial close as Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Goddess Subhadra, and Lord Sudarshan return to the sanctum sanctorum of the Shree Jagannath Temple.
After remaining unoccupied for 27 days, the revered Ratna Singhasana (Ratna Bedi) inside the 12th-century shrine will once again be adorned with the presiding deities, marking the completion of their annual sojourn outside the temple.
According to the schedule released by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), the ceremonial Pahandi procession will commence at 4:00 p.m. The deities will be carried from their respective chariots in a grand traditional procession before being ceremonially reinstalled on the jeweled throne inside the temple.
Thousands of devotees are expected to gather near the Singhadwara to witness the final ritual of the annual festival, which is considered one of the most significant events in the Jagannath tradition.
Preparations for the ceremony began early in the day, with servitors making elaborate arrangements inside the temple. The Ratna Singhasana will be ritually cleansed and decorated, while a ceremonial canopy will be erected over the throne. Following the completion of the Sandhya Dhupa rituals on the chariots, floral offerings will be made, ceremonial ladders will be placed, and the traditional Bije Kahali will announce the beginning of the deities’ return procession.
As per temple customs, Lord Madanmohan and Lord Ramakrishna will first be escorted inside, followed by Lord Sudarshan, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra. Lord Jagannath, the presiding deity, will enter the temple last in the majestic Pahandi procession.
A major attraction of the Niladri Bije ritual is the symbolic Lakshmi–Narayan Kali, a cherished tradition depicting Goddess Lakshmi playfully preventing Lord Jagannath from entering the temple after His extended stay outside. According to legend, the Lord offers Rasgulla to appease the Goddess, symbolising reconciliation and giving cultural significance to Odisha’s celebrated sweet.
The Niladri Bije ceremony not only concludes the annual Rath Yatra but also signifies the restoration of normal worship inside the temple. The centuries-old ritual continues to draw devotees from across the country, reflecting Odisha’s rich spiritual heritage and the enduring traditions associated with Lord Jagannath.
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