Puri: The sacred Hera Panchami ritual, one of the most significant observances during the annual Rath Yatra, was celebrated with traditional grandeur and deep religious fervour at the Shree Gundicha Temple in Puri on Monday. Thousands of devotees gathered to witness the unique ritual, which portrays the divine relationship between Lord Jagannath and Goddess Lakshmi, blending devotion, mythology and symbolism.
Observed on the fifth day of the Rath Yatra, Hera Panchami marks the ceremonial visit of Goddess Lakshmi to the Gundicha Temple after Lord Jagannath leaves the Shree Jagannath Temple (Srimandir) without taking her along during the annual chariot festival.
Goddess Lakshmi Visits Gundicha Temple
According to centuries-old temple tradition, Goddess Lakshmi proceeds from the Srimandir to the Gundicha Temple in a grand ceremonial procession to have darshan of Lord Jagannath.
The ritual symbolises the Goddess’s concern and longing after Lord Jagannath departs for His annual journey without informing or accompanying her. Devotees believe the event reflects the human emotions of love, separation and reconciliation through the divine leela of the deities.
After offering prayers and having darshan of Lord Jagannath, Goddess Lakshmi begins her return journey to the Srimandir.
Symbolic Breaking Of Nandighosha Chariot
One of the most distinctive and widely awaited moments of Hera Panchami is the symbolic act in which Goddess Lakshmi expresses her displeasure by breaking a small portion of Nandighosha, the chariot of Lord Jagannath.
According to temple traditions, the ritual represents the Goddess’s anger and sorrow over being left behind while Lord Jagannath embarked on the Rath Yatra with His siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra.
The ceremonial act does not cause any significant damage to the chariot but serves as a symbolic expression of the divine relationship between the Lord and the Goddess. It remains one of the most unique rituals associated with the world-famous Rath Yatra and draws thousands of devotees every year.
Following the completion of Hera Panchami, preparations formally begin for Bahuda Yatra, the return journey of the Holy Trinity from the Gundicha Temple to the Srimandir.
Traditional Preparations For Hera Panchami
Temple traditions state that before setting out for Gundicha Temple, Goddess Lakshmi first visits Goddess Vimala, one of the presiding deities inside the Jagannath Temple complex, to seek guidance after Lord Jagannath leaves the temple without informing her.
During this ritual, Goddess Vimala offers Mohachurna, traditionally regarded as a symbolic love potion. Goddess Lakshmi then carries it with her while proceeding to Gundicha Temple for Hera Panchami.
This ritual is considered an integral part of the spiritual significance associated with the observance.
Phuluri Oil Prepared On Hera Panchami
Hera Panchami also marks another important ritual in the Jagannath tradition—the preparation of Phuluri Oil.
The sacred medicinal oil is prepared on this auspicious day and preserved underground for nearly a year before being used during the Anasara period following Snana Purnima in the next Rath Yatra cycle.
During Anasara, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra are believed to fall ill after the ceremonial bathing festival. The matured Phuluri Oil is then traditionally applied to the deities as part of their ritual healing process.
This centuries-old practice continues to be an important aspect of Jagannath culture and temple rituals.
Adapa Abadha Offered To Devotees
Meanwhile, Lord Jagannath continues to give darshan to devotees at the Adapa Mandap (Janmabedi) inside the Shree Gundicha Temple, where the Holy Trinity remains during their stay.
The first Adapa Abadha (Mahaprasad) was offered to devotees on Sunday, drawing large crowds of pilgrims eager to receive the sacred offering.
Devotees believe that having darshan of Lord Jagannath at the Adapa Mandap carries immense spiritual significance and bestows special blessings.
The atmosphere around the Gundicha Temple has remained filled with devotion as thousands of pilgrims continue to visit the shrine during the Rath Yatra festivities.
Tight Security Arrangements For Devotees
With lakhs of devotees expected to visit the Gundicha Temple during the Rath Yatra period, the district administration and police have put in place extensive security and crowd management arrangements.
Authorities have deployed adequate police personnel, installed barricades, regulated entry and exit routes, and strengthened surveillance to ensure smooth darshan and the safe movement of devotees throughout the festival.
Officials said elaborate arrangements have also been made to maintain order around the temple premises as preparations continue for the upcoming Bahuda Yatra, one of the major events of the annual Rath Yatra celebrations.
