July 13, 2024 12:00 am
Hera Panchami is a unique and significant festival celebrated at the Shri Jagannath Mandir in Thyagraj Nagar, Delhi, marking an important event in the annual Rath Yatra festivities. This day is observed on the fifth day of the Rath Yatra, and it embodies a beautiful narrative of divine love, separation, and reconciliation within the Hindu tradition.
The term “Hera” translates to “to see,” and “Panchami” means the fifth day. On this day, the goddess Lakshmi, the divine consort of Lord Jagannath (a form of Lord Krishna), visits the Gundicha Temple, where Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra, stays for nine days. This visit symbolizes the Goddess Lakshmi’s search for her husband, who has not returned home since the commencement of the Rath Yatra.
The celebration at the Shri Jagannath Mandir in Thyagraj Nagar is marked by vibrant rituals and cultural events. The deity of Goddess Lakshmi is carried in a grand procession from the main temple to the Gundicha Temple amidst the chanting of hymns, beating of drums, and singing of devotional songs. The atmosphere is filled with an aura of devotion and festivity as devotees gather in large numbers to witness and participate in this divine enactment.
One of the key highlights of Hera Panchami is the unique ritual where Goddess Lakshmi, upon reaching the Gundicha Temple, expresses her displeasure at Lord Jagannath’s prolonged stay away from home. This is symbolically represented by the ceremonial breaking of a part of the Nandighosha chariot (Lord Jagannath’s chariot). This act signifies her anger and the playful nature of their divine relationship. After this symbolic act, the goddess returns to the main temple, signifying the end of her visit.
The festival is not only a display of religious fervor but also an occasion for cultural immersion. Devotees dress in traditional attire, and various cultural programs, including dance, music, and theatrical performances, are organized, showcasing the rich cultural heritage associated with Lord Jagannath and Goddess Lakshmi.
Hera Panchami at the Shri Jagannath Mandir in Thyagraj Nagar serves as a beautiful reminder of the divine love and the rituals that have been preserved through generations. It is an occasion that brings together the community in celebration, devotion, and cultural expression, making it a significant event in the Hindu religious calendar in Delhi.
