Lord Jagannath returns to His divine abode: Neeladri Bije celebrated with grandeur at Angul Jindal Nagar

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

ANGUL, JULY 9, 2025

The sacred precincts of Devbhoomi Temple in Jindal Nagar resonated with chants of devotion and spiritual ecstasy as Mahaprabhu Jagannath, Mahaprabhu Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Sudarshan made their divine return to their sanctum during the Neeladri Bije celebration. Thousands of devotees from Jindal Nagar and neighbouring villages gathered in reverence to witness the spiritually significant event, marking the culmination of the annual Rath Yatra.

The rituals were led by Shallu Jindal, Pratham Sevika of Mahaprabhu, Chairperson of Jindal Foundation, and consort of Shri Naveen Jindal, Pratham Sevak, three-time Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), and Chairman of Jindal Steel & Power. Performing the sacred duties with deep devotion and precision under the guidance of revered ritual advisor Sri Srikant Ji, Smt. Jindal ensured that each tradition was followed with utmost sanctity, echoing the rituals of Puri Sri Mandir.

The day began with traditional ceremonies including Rath Shodha, Manima Dak, and Dwara Phita, followed by sacred rituals such as Mangal Aarati, Tadapa Lagi, and Abakash Neeti. The deities were adorned in exquisite vesha (attire), and Vedic practices like Rosha Homa, Surya Puja, and Dwarpal Puja were carried out with spiritual depth and dedication.

Devotees were blessed with glimpses of the divine during offerings like Gopal Ballabh, Vesha Aarati, and Sarbasadharan Darshan, while the Madhyahna Dhoopa and Pahuda rituals during the midday invoked a sense of serene divinity. As evening approached, the temple premises transformed into a hub of spiritual celebration with Pahuda Phita, Sandhya Aarati, Bhajans, and Kirtans, filling the air with devotional melodies.

The ceremonial highlight of the evening was the Goti Pahandi, where the majestic return of the deities was marked by Maa Mahalakshmi’s Chahani (divine gaze) at the Chahani Mandap, a spiritually poignant moment that left devotees emotionally stirred. Sacred traditions such as Jatrangi Bhog, Bada Bandapana, and Mangalarpana were performed by the Prime Servitors, reinforcing the deep cultural roots of the event.

The celebration drew wide appreciation for its flawless execution of Puri-like rituals including Rundha, Rasagola Bhog, Badasinghar, and the final Pahuda, offering devotees an authentic and immersive spiritual experience. Many expressed heartfelt gratitude for being part of a celebration that so closely mirrors the grandeur and sanctity of the rituals at the Jagannath Temple in Puri.

Speaking on the occasion, Shallu Jindal humbly offered her prayers before Mahaprabhu Sri Chaturdhamurti, expressing her heartfelt gratitude to the local community and all Jindalites for their unwavering support in upholding the sanctity of the Rath Yatra celebrations for four consecutive years. She prayed for the divine blessings of Mahaprabhu Jagannath upon the people of Angul, Odisha, and the entire nation.

Jindal also extended special thanks to the entire workforce, sevayats, media, local administration, community members, and the local management for their tireless dedication in ensuring the grand success of this sacred festival. She praised the Jindal Foundation team for their remarkable service in Puri Rath Yatra 2025, where they provided over 2 million hot cooked meals — including Ghee Rice, Dalma, and Khatta — from a live kitchen, embodying the spirit of seva (selfless service).

With devotion, discipline, and deep-rooted cultural pride, the Neeladri Bije celebrations at Jindal Nagar once again brought alive the divine spirit of Lord Jagannath, leaving devotees spiritually enriched and emotionally connected to their beloved Mahaprabhu.