Puri: Rath Yatra concluded as the deities were ushered into the Srimandir in ‘Goti Pahandi’ during the Niladri Bije ritual of the deities.
Lord Jagannath and his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra were escorted on Goti Pahandi to the sanctum sanctorum of the Shreemandir late on Thursday evening.
The ritual of return of the deities from the Raths to the Ratna Simhasan is known as “Niladri Bije”.
Daita servitors conducted the Pahandi procession amidst beating of cymbals, trumpets, drums and bugles and presentation of Gotipua and Odishi dances.
As per tradition, Madan Mohan and Ramakrushna were first taken into the main temple.
Then, the Chaturdhamurati, Sudarshan, Balabhadra, Subhadra and Jagannath, was escorted. The Niladri Bije was advanced by two hours.
A traditional play was enacted between the servitors of Lord Jagannath and his consort Mahalakshmi. By the order of Mahalakshmi, the temple gate was closed to prevent entry of Lord Jagannath to teach him a lesson for not taking her in the nine-day pleasure trip to the Gundicha Temple.
While Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra were allowed to enter the temple, the door was closed for Lord Jagannath.
Then, the Lord offered Mahalakshmi rasgolas to appease her and to forgive him. After long persuasion, she allowed Him inside.
After installation of the deities on the Ratna Simhasan, priests resumed normal daily rituals. Devotees would get Mahaprasad known as Nilachal Abhada from Friday.
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