[In Pictures] ‘Niladri Bije’: Lord Jagannath, Sibling Deities Return To Temple As Rath Yatra Ends In Odisha’s Puri

Puri: Completing a nine-day sojourn, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra were taken from their chariots to the Ratna Singhasana inside the Jagannath Temple in Odisha’s Puri on Tuesday evening, bringing to an end the world-famous Rath Yatra this year.

As part of ‘Niladri Bije’, servitors escorted Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra inside the temple in a ceremonial procession called ‘Goti Pahandi’.

Lord Jagannath’s return to the temple is not a smooth affair. In keeping with age-old tradition, as Lord Jagannath neared the Jaya Vijaya Dwara of the temple, Goddess Lakshmi closed the door preventing Him from entering the temple, upset at being left alone during the Rath Jatra.

Lord Jagannath then entreated Goddess Lakshmi by offering Her rasagola to appease Her. Goddess Lakshmi then allowed Lord Jagannath to enter the temple, as per tradition.

Lakhs of devotees gathered at the pilgrim town to witness ‘Niladri Bije’ and offered rasagola to the Lords.