What is Neeladri BJ? Jagannath Rath cannot be completed without this, there is a deep connection with Mother Lakshmi

Jagannath Rath Yatra, Niladri Bije: The world famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath started from 16 July 2026. It will be concluded on 27th July by performing Neeladri Bije tradition. This grand religious festival lasts for 9 days. On the first day of the Rath Yatra, Lord Jagannath, elder brother Balabhadra and sister Devi Subhadra leave from Sri Mandir for Gundicha Temple riding on their respective grand chariots. After staying in the Gundicha temple for nine days, the three deities return to Sri Mandir after traveling to Bahuda.

After returning from the journey, Lord Jagannath does not sit directly on the throne. Before this, the tradition of Neeladri Bije is performed. Which is considered to be the last and most important ritual of Rath Yatra. On this day, special traditions are followed for the re-entry of Lord Jagannath into the temple. Let us know what is Neeladri Bije, what is its religious significance and what is its relation with Goddess Lakshmi.

What is Neeladri BJ?

‘Neeladri Sir’ is considered an important book of Jagannath sect. In this, information related to Shri Mandir and annual policies are given. According to this, Neeladri Bije means Blue Mountain on which Jagannath Temple is situated. Whereas BJ is considered to have entered or settled in the Odia language.

When Jagannath ji returns to the temple after completing the journey, a special tradition is performed before placing the idols in the sanctum sanctorum, this is called Neeladri Bije.

Neeladri BJ’s relation with Goddess Lakshmi

According to the tradition of Jagannath temple, when Lord Jagannath returns to the temple, Goddess Lakshmi remains angry with him because she did not take him along. It is said that Goddess Lakshmi first closes the door of the temple. After this, Lord Jagannath presents sweet and soft Rasgulla made of Chhena and sugar syrup to his wife to pacify her. The emotional exchange and meeting ritual is called Niladri Bije.

The most famous tradition of Niladri Bije is Rasgulla Bhog. After this loving request of God, Goddess Lakshmi becomes pleased and opens the doors of the temple. After this the Lord enters the temple and sits on the throne. In memory of this, even today the tradition of offering Rasgulla to Lord Jagannath is followed on the day of Neeladri Bije. Jagannath Rath Yatra concludes with Neeladri Bije.

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