Puri, July 19: The Niladri Bije, the return of Lord Jagannath and his siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra to their Ratna Simhasana in the sanctum sanctorum of Srimandir in Puri after the twelve-day-long annual sojourn, will be held on Friday.

The main aspect of the Niladri Bije ritual is the heavenly love and affection between Lord Jagannath and His wife Goddess Laxmi.

The Niladri Bije was not a smooth affair for Lord Jagannath. Goddess Laxmi was annoyed as she was not taken to Gundicha temple during the annual Rath Yatra. It is believed that Goddess Laxmi takes her revenge on Niladri Bije. 

As legend has it, Goddess Laxmi allowed Lord Balabhadra, Goddess Subhadra, and Lord Sudarshana to enter the temple, but when Lord Jagannath tried to enter the temple, she gave orders to her servitors to close the Jaya Vijaya gate of the Singhadwar.

Goddess Lakshmi was furious over Lord Jagannath not taking her along during the annual sojourn. An exchange of words breaks out between the Devadasi (women servitors) representing Lakshmi and Badagrahi Daitas and other Daitapatis representing Lord Jagannath.

Later, Lord Jagannath assures Goddess Lakshmi that He will not repeat it again. 

Thereafter, Goddess Laxmi directs the opening of the Jaya-Bijay doors for Him. At last Goddess Lakshmi looks to the south and both exchange looks. The Bhittarchha servitors untie the nuptial knot and offer Bandapana. 

In order to pacify Goddess Laxmi, Lord Jagannath offers Rasagolas to His better half. 

Also Read: Rath Yatra: Adhara Pana Niti Concludes In Puri

The Niladri Bije follows the Adhara Pana ritual in which the deities were offered a special pana on their respective chariots. The Adhara Pana ritual was held last night. 

Thousands of devotees thronged to Puri to pay obeisance to the Holy Trinity. 

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