Puri: Odisha witnessed an overwhelming surge of devotion today as the sacred Niladribije ceremony marked the triumphant return of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Sudarshana to the sanctum sanctorum of the Shri Mandir. This grand event signifies the conclusion of the annual Rath Yatra, bringing the nine-day celestial sojourn to a resplendent close.
Following their divine darshan to millions from the majestic chariots, the deities began their sacred journey back home early this morning. The atmosphere along the Bada Danda (Grand Road) was electric, filled with the chants of countless devotees eager to witness the unique and awe-inspiring rituals of the return procession, known as Pahandi. 
Niladribije 2025: Lord Jagannath Returns to Puri Srimandir





Niladribije 2025: The meticulously timed processions commenced before dawn. Lord Madanmohan's Pahandi began first at approximately 7:20 AM, followed by Lord Sudarshana at 7:45 AM. The majestic Lord Balabhadra commenced his journey back at 8:25 AM. Finally, Lord Jagannath himself descended from the Nandighosa chariot in the climactic Goti Pahandi.

A Journey Culminating in Divine Reunion: Niladribije 2025

The return processions followed the completion of all essential rituals upon the chariots, including Mangala Alati, Mailam, Abakash, Gopal Ballabh, Sakala Dhupa (Morning offering), Madhyanha Dhupa (Midday offering), Sandhya Alati, and Sandhya Dhupa. After these rituals concluded and the chariot ropes (Charamala) were secured, the Goti Pahandi commenced, carrying the deities from the chariots back to the Ratna Singhasana (Jeweled Throne) within the temple.

The Legendary Reconciliation: Rasagolas and a Locked Door

A deeply symbolic and beloved tradition unfolded as Lord Jagannath approached the Lion's Gate (Singha Dwara). As per ancient lore, Goddess Mahalakshmi, the divine consort, awaited her Lord's return at the temple's Bhoga Mandap. Seeing him approach, but perhaps feeling slighted by his prolonged absence during the Yatra, she retreated into the temple and symbolically "locked" the doors.
Tradition holds that Lord Jagannath must then appease his beloved Mahalakshmi. He offers promises, including a vow to visit her secretly at the Gundicha Temple (Gupta Gundicha). Ultimately, he pacifies her by offering her Rasagolas (sweet cheese balls). Only after this heartfelt reconciliation does Goddess Mahalakshmi relent and permit the doors to open for the Lord's re-entry. In commemoration of this divine appeasement, countless devotees offer Rasagolas to Lord Jagannath on Niladribije. 

Grand Preparations and Concluding Rituals

The Puri administration and temple servitors (Sevayats) coordinated extensively for the smooth execution of Niladribije. All prescribed rituals (Nitis) were completed strictly according to tradition.
Once the deities were safely reinstalled on the Ratna Singhasana inside the temple, elaborate rituals commenced. This included Rundha (concealing the deities temporarily), Daitapati Sarvanga (ritual by specific servitor families), Srimukha Khanda (offering betel), Mahasnan (ceremonial bath), Chandan Lagi (sandalwood paste adornment), the resplendent Badasinghara Besha (evening attire), and the Badasinghara Bhog (final food offering) before the deities retired for the night (Pahuda).

A Festival Concludes, Darshan Resumes

Niladribije 2025 marks the end of Lord Jagannath's Pattitapabana Yatra (journey redeeming the fallen). With the deities back on their eternal throne, the temple will resume its regular schedule. Starting tomorrow, all devotees will once again be able to receive the sacred Nila Chala Abhada (darshan of the deities on the altar) within the Shri Jagannath Temple, Puri, signifying the return to divine normalcy after the grand spectacle of the Rath Yatra and its poignant conclusion. The air remains thick with devotion, echoing the successful completion of one of Hinduism's most magnificent and emotionally charged festivals.