Hera Panchami - When Maa Lakshmi Is Angry

Puri Dham is one of the most important places of visit for Hindus.

A rich cultural history and many festivals including the world-famous Ratha Jatra are associated with this holy place. 

Puri Dham is called the Shree Kshetra and the Shree Jagannatha Temple is called the Shreemandira.

Shree means Goddess Lakshmi. 

This shows Her importance.

She is the wife of Shree Jagannatha, the Lord of the Universe.

Many wrongly think that Ratha Jatra is a one-day festival and the festivities end that day. 

The journey starts on the second day of the bright fortnight of Asadha (month in Hindu/Odia calendar) that is celebrated as Ratha Jatra. 

The Ratha Jatra is also called Nabadina Jatra (nine-day journey). 

On the ninth day, Bahuda Jatra is held.

However, that is not the end of the Ratha Jatra.

Actually, the Ratha Jatra festivities come to an end on the twelfth day of the commencement of the journey. 

Niladri Bije ritual marks the completion of their journey with the deities entering the Shreemandira.

There are many traditions and significant centuries-old rituals are done.

On the fifth day of the Ratha Jatra, there is the Hera Panchami tradition.

Today is Hera Panchami.

"Hera" means "to see".

This evening, Maa Lakshmi will visit Shree Gundicha Temple to see Shree Jagannatha.

What does She do there?

Palanquin Carried Special Cover for Rasagola #AToZChallenge

 A Palanquin Carried Special Cover, "Rasagola in SriJagannathji's cuisine", was released on March 1st, 2018 at Puri Head Post Office by the Department of Posts. The special cover was released on a special day- Dola Purnima, the day before Holi when traditionally Holi colours and sweets are offered to the Gods.

 

This Special Cover features the traditional offering of Rasagola as bhog/prasad to Goddess Laxmi on behalf of Lord Jagannath during Niladri Bije at Sri Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha. 
Rasagola has been a Mahaprasad of Lord Jagannath from centuries and Rasagola is one of the more than hundred dishes that are offered as bhog/prasad.

Hera Panchami

Ratha Jatra or Rath Yatra is celebrated every year.

It is a grand festival that began in the Shri Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha, and is still celebrated as per the ancient rules. Ratha Jatra is also celebrated all over the world.

          

The three deities namely, Lord Jagannath and his siblings- Lord Balabhadra & Devi Subhadra go on their annual visit to their aunt's place. When the brothers along with their sister go for their Rath Yatra, they do not take Lord Jagannath's wife, Goddess Maa Lakshmi along with them.