Chanting of Jai Jagannath, Haribol and Hulahuli marked the homecoming, called Niladri Bije, of the Trinity lord Jagannath, lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra here on Thursday. The holy triads were escorted to their Ratnasimhasan in the sanctum sanctorum of the main temple in night in a Pahandi procession conducted by the Daita servitors.
The priests offered fruits as Bhog on the three chariots simultaneously. Soon later, ladders were fixed to the three Raths and then onto
the Ratnasimhasan.
The Pahandi was conducted with musicians playing drums, cymbals, trumpets and bugles while devotional Odishi dance was presented by artists, which was a treat for the devotees.
As per the tradition, lord Jaannath had to pass a serious test conducted by his consort Mahalakshmi. The temple’s main gate was closed by the order of Mahalakshmi to prevent the entry of the lord to teach Him a lesson for not taking Her on His nine-day pleasure trip to the Gundicha Temple.
While lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra were allowed to reenter the temple, the door was slammed on the face of lord Jagannath, Who then tendered apologies to Mahalakshmi and offered Rasgullas to appease Her. After His long persuasion, She allowed Him inside.
Taking clue from the lord, hundreds of devotees presented Rasgullas as Bhog, and this is the only occasion when Rasgulla is offered to
the deities.
After the installation of the deities on the Ratnasimhasan, the priests resumed normal daily rituals starting with Mahasnan (the grand bath) and concluding with Badasinghar (night dress) and Pahuda (sleeping).
Devotees will taste Mahaprasad known as Nilachal Abhada on Friday.