The Rath Yatra of Bhagwan Jagannath officially concluded on the night of July 8 with the Niladri Bije ritual. Bhagwan Jagannath, along with his elder brother Bhagwan Balabhadra and sister Devi Subhadra, were ceremoniously escorted into the Ratna Sinhasana of the Shrimandir from their respective chariots in a procession known as Goti Pahandi, conducted by the Daita servitors.
The Niladri Bije signifies the return of the deities to their sanctum, embodying a poignant expression of divine love and reconciliation between Bhagwan Jagannath and his consort, Maa Lakshmi.
During the Niladri Bije ritual, the deities returned to their Ratna Singhasana, highlighting the deep affection between Bhagwan Jagannath and Maa Lakshmi.
ମସ୍ତକରେ ଟାହିଆ ଲାଗି ପରେ, ପାରମ୍ପରିକ ବାଦ୍ୟର ତାଳେ ତାଳେ ବଡ଼ଠାକୁର ଶ୍ରୀବଳଭଦ୍ର ମହାପ୍ରଭୁ ଗୋଟି ପହଣ୍ଡିରେ ଶ୍ରୀମନ୍ଦିରକୁ ବିଜେ କରିଛନ୍ତି। pic.twitter.com/P1yYOA8qYl
— Shree Jagannatha Temple, Puri (@JagannathaDhaam) July 8, 2025
According to Mandir sources, the preparations for the Niladri Bije began after the Sandhya Dhupa, with charamalas affixed to each of the three chariots. Meanwhile, Mudiratha servitors presented puspanajali (floral offerings) to Bhagwan Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra on their respective chariots and performed the “doralagi” ritual. Following this, Kahalia’s servitors sounded a bugle, signalling the commencement of the Pahandi for Bhagwan Jagannath and his siblings.
#RathaJatra2025 #RathaYatra2025 #ShreeJagannathaDhaam #NiladriBije pic.twitter.com/3aityHhOEt
— Shree Jagannatha Temple, Puri (@JagannathaDhaam) July 8, 2025
First, Bhagwan Sudarshan was brought to the Ratna Bedi, followed by Bhagwan Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra. Finally, the Pahandi of Bhagwan Jagannath took place.
— Shree Jagannatha Temple, Puri (@JagannathaDhaam) July 8, 2025
A unique and dramatic scene unfolded inside the Mandir. After Bhagwan Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra entered, Maa Lakshmi ordered the closing of the Jay-Vijay door. Upset that Bhagwan Jagannath did not take her along during the annual Rathyatra to Gundicha Mandir, she refused him entry as a form of retaliation.
#RathaJatra2025 #RathaYatra2025 #ShreeJagannathaDhaam #NiladriBije pic.twitter.com/oHWCvg9YBk
— Shree Jagannatha Temple, Puri (@JagannathaDhaam) July 8, 2025
Despite Bhagwan Jagannath’s attempts to persuade her, she remained firm. A tug of war ensued between the servitors representing Maa Lakshmi and those representing Bhagwan Jagannath at the Mandir entrance. The conflict was resolved when Bhagwan Jagannath acknowledged his mistake and assured Maa Lakshmi that he would not repeat it. To pacify her, he offered her Rasagollas. Calmed by his apology, Maa Lakshmi accepted his offering and allowed him to enter the Shri Mandir, after which she directed the opening of the Jaya-Bijay doors for him.
Inspired by the exchange between Bhagwan Jagannath and Maa Lakshmi, hundreds of devotees offered Rasagola bhog to the deities on the chariots before the Pahandi and shared it among those present.
