The Niladri Bije is indeed a significant event at the Puri
Jagannath Temple in Odisha, India. It marks the conclusion of the annual Ratha
Yatra festival, during which the three principal deities - Bhagavan Jagannath,
Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra - embark on a grand procession in elaborately
decorated chariots.
After spending several days outside the temple in their
respective chariots, the deities return to their inner sanctums in a ceremony
known as Niladri Bije. This return is considered highly auspicious and
symbolizes the completion of their journey and their re-entry into their divine
abode.
During the Niladri Bije ritual, skilled servitors carefully
carry the towering wooden idols of the deities from their chariots and sway
them rhythmically in a ceremonial procession known as "pahandi." This
procession is a spectacle to behold, drawing thousands of devotees who come to
witness the event and seek blessings from the divine beings.
The atmosphere during Niladri Bije is filled with devotion
and fervor as devotees eagerly await the moment when the deities are safely
returned to their respective sanctuaries within the temple. It's a time of
celebration and spiritual renewal for the devotees who have participated in the
Ratha Yatra festivities.
The day before Niladri Bije, another important ritual known
as Suna Besha takes place. During Suna Besha, the deities are adorned with gold
ornaments, presenting a majestic and resplendent appearance. This ritual adds
to the grandeur and magnificence of the entire festival, further attracting
devotees and visitors from far and wide to witness the divine spectacle.
Overall, the Niladri Bije and Suna Besha rituals are
integral parts of the annual festivities at the Puri Jagannath Temple,
representing the culmination of the Ratha Yatra and serving as occasions for
devotees to express their reverence and devotion to the divine.