As the grand Jagannath Rath Yatra continues to draw lakhs of devotees to the holy town of Puri, one of the most spiritually symbolic and emotionally resonant rituals — Hera Panchami — is set to be observed on July 1, 2025, the fifth day of the festival.
Hera Panchami, meaning “to see on the fifth day,” is a unique ritual where Goddess Lakshmi, consort of Lord Jagannath, symbolically visits the Gundicha Temple to express her discontent over the Lord’s prolonged absence from their abode — the Jagannath Temple.
Mythological Significance:
According to legend, Lakshmi Devi feels slighted when Lord Jagannath leaves for the Gundicha Temple with his siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, without her. On the fifth day, she arrives at Gundicha in a grand palanquin procession to bring the Lord back — marking the tender yet divine dynamics between the celestial couple.
Ritual Highlights:
A spectacular palanquin procession of Goddess Lakshmi is carried out from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple.
Upon arrival, the Goddess is ceremonially welcomed.
In a symbolic gesture of displeasure, Lakshmi’s attendants break a portion of Lord Jagannath’s chariot.
She then secretly returns to the main temple via a different route, emphasizing her silent resolve and divine dignity.
This ritual not only captivates thousands of onlookers but also underlines the emotional depth and spiritual richness embedded in the Jagannath tradition. Hera Panchami remains one of the most anticipated rituals during the Rath Yatra, adding drama, devotion, and divine love to the week-long celebrations.
