Amid tight security cover and spectacular display of fireworks and chanting of Jai Jagannath and Haribol, the homecoming of lord Jagannath, His elder Balabhadra and Their sister Devi Subhadra took place on Sunday night.
The holy triads were escorted to the Ratnasimhasan located in the sanctum sanctorum of the main temple in Pahandi procession conducted by the Daita servitors.
Early in the morning, the priests conducted daily chores of the deities with observance of Mangala Arati, Abakash and offered fruits as Bhog to the deities. The day’s nitee on Rath was closed with observance of Sandhya Arati followed by Sandhya Dhupa. The preparation for Pahandi began with fixing of ladders onto the Raths and onto the Ratnasimhasan.
The Pahandi comprised musical notes of concerted play of cymbals, drums, trumpets and bugles, besides Odishi dance. The female devotees blew Hulahuli which reverberated in the midnight air.
Before that as per the tradition, a play was enacted between the servitors of lord Jagannath and that of His consort Mahalakshmi. By the order of Mahalakshmi, the temple gate was closed to prevent the entry of lord Jagannath to teach him a lesson for not taking Mahalakshmi in the nine day pleasure trip to the Gundicha Temple. As per tradition, Mahalakshmi maintains a close vigil from Chahani Mandap (a projected platform situated at the right side of the temple’s main gate) on the activities of lord Jagannath on the Nandighosh Rath. While lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra were allowed to enter the temple, the door was slammed on the face of lord Jagannath. Finding no other option, the lord offered Mahalakshmi Rasagolas to appease her. After this, persuasion, the lord was allowed to enter the temple.
Taking cue from the lord, hundreds of devotees offered Rasagolas as bhog on the occasion. This is the only occasion when Rasagulla is offered to the deities. After installation of the deities on the Ratnasimhasan, priests resumed normal daily rituals starting with Mahasnan (the grand bath) followed by a fresh set of rituals concluding with Badasinghar (night dress) and Pahuda (sleeping). The devotees would be able to taste Mahaprasad known as Nilachal Abhada on Monday. This homecoming ceremony of the deities is known as Niladree Bije.