By exploreodisha.in 
Among the vibrant and deeply symbolic festivals of Odisha, Hera Panchami stands as a unique celebration that beautifully combines devotion, mythology, and human emotions. It is an integral part of the Rath Yatra festivities in Puri, closely associated with the Jagannath Temple, one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in Hinduism. While the grandeur of the Rath Yatra attracts lakhs of devotees, Hera Panchami—celebrated on the fifth day of the Rath Yatra—is a ritual of a more intimate nature, rich in spiritual depth and cultural heritage.
This article explores the history, mythology, cultural symbolism, and rituals associated with Hera Panchami, while shedding light on its origin and significance in the divine drama of Lord Jagannath.
The Etymology and Meaning of Hera Panchami
The word “Hera” in Sanskrit and Odia means “to see” or “to visit,” while “Panchami” refers to the fifth day of the lunar fortnight. Hera Panchami thus refers to the ritual conducted on the fifth day after the commencement of the Rath Yatra, when Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Jagannath, goes to Gundicha Temple to meet her husband who had left for a nine-day sojourn with his siblings—Balabhadra and Subhadra.
However, this is no ordinary meeting. It is a symbolic enactment of the divine displeasure and the emotional longing of Goddess Lakshmi, who feels neglected as Lord Jagannath departs without her. The event reflects both cosmic drama and a deeply human portrayal of love, estrangement, and reconciliation.
Mythological Origins: The Story Behind Hera Panchami
The roots of Hera Panchami lie in the sacred Puranic legends of Sri Jagannath Mahaprabhu. As per tradition, every year during Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya (second day of the bright fortnight of Ashadha), Lord Jagannath embarks on the Rath Yatra from the Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple, believed to be the house of his aunt. He is accompanied by his siblings—Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra—but leaves behind Goddess Lakshmi, who resides in the sanctum of the main temple.
According to the legend, Goddess Lakshmi is initially unaware of Lord Jagannath’s departure. When she learns that he has left without informing her or taking her along, she becomes upset and decides to visit Gundicha Temple herself on the fifth day, demanding an explanation. This visit, however, is not just a gentle inquiry—it becomes an expression of her divine displeasure.
Thus, Hera Panchami is essentially the ritual that commemorates this celestial episode of confrontation, wherein Goddess Lakshmi sets out in a palanquin procession with grandeur and grace, accompanied by servitors and rituals, to express her anger and seek reunion.
Ritual Observances and Symbolism
The rituals of Hera Panchami are complex, symbolic, and filled with emotional and theological significance. It is a ceremonial visit marked with elaborate traditions:
1. The Procession of Goddess Lakshmi
On Hera Panchami, the idol of Goddess Lakshmi is taken in a grand procession from the main Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple. The journey is solemn yet majestic, often accompanied by musical performances, traditional drumming, and flower offerings.
The goddess is carried in a decorated palanquin (pahandi style), symbolizing her royal status and divine authority. This procession is not just a spectacle; it signifies the assertive presence of the feminine divine, seeking acknowledgment and respect.
2. The Meeting at Gundicha Temple
Upon reaching Gundicha Temple, the goddess does not enter the sanctum. Instead, she waits at the entrance, symbolizing a refusal to join her estranged consort inside. One of the most iconic parts of the ritual involves a priest representing Lord Jagannath, who comes out and tries to pacify the goddess by offering sari, jewelry, and words of reassurance. These offerings are symbolic tokens of affection and repentance.
This interaction mirrors a human-like episode of marital discord and the eventual efforts at reconciliation. The goddess accepts the gifts but does not forgive easily.
3. Symbolic Damage to the Chariot
In one of the most dramatic rituals of Hera Panchami, once the goddess is pacified and begins her return journey, her servitors secretly damage a part of Lord Jagannath’s chariot, the Nandighosa, usually by breaking a small piece of wood or tearing the cloth. This act is known as “Chhati Lagaiba” and symbolizes her lingering anger. It is done without the knowledge of Jagannath’s servitors and is meant to express that the goddess has not fully forgiven her lord.
This moment is rich in metaphor—it represents that even divine love is not devoid of emotional intensity, ego, and sacrifice.
4. Silent Return
After this brief and intense confrontation, Goddess Lakshmi returns quietly, without any musical accompaniment or fanfare, unlike her grand arrival. This silent return signifies the goddess’s wounded pride and her quiet assertion of independence.
Cultural and Religious Significance
Hera Panchami is more than a mythological re-enactment—it reflects the intricacies of divine relationships, adding emotional layers to spiritual beliefs. The episode resonates with Vaishnava philosophy, which places emphasis on leela—the divine play of gods, filled with joy, conflict, and resolution.
The ritual also underscores the importance of Lakshmi as an equal and assertive divine force. Far from being passive, she confronts the lord and demands her due place, symbolizing Shakti (feminine energy) as essential in the cosmic balance. This elevates the status of Lakshmi beyond that of a consort—she becomes a powerful symbol of emotion, order, and devotion.
Hera Panchami also serves as a cultural reminder of the marital bonds, emotional expressions, and the balance of power within relationships—be they divine or human.
Historical Evolution of Hera Panchami
The earliest references to Hera Panchami are found in temple records and palm-leaf manuscripts of the Madala Panji, which document the chronicles of the Jagannath Temple. Over the centuries, this ritual has evolved in form and grandeur but retains its original philosophical essence.
During the medieval period, kings of Odisha, particularly those from the Gajapati dynasty, took an active interest in preserving and elaborating the ritual as part of the larger Rath Yatra ceremonies. Hera Panchami became a way to present theological storytelling through live ritualistic drama, blending myth, art, and devotion.
Today, it continues to be observed with the same spirit, drawing thousands of devotees and scholars who marvel at its layered significance.
Conclusion
Hera Panchami is a rare and poetic festival that showcases the depth of Indian spiritual traditions. It brings to life the unseen emotional threads in divine relationships, offering a glimpse into the playful, complex, and human-like dimensions of Hindu deities. It reminds us that even gods are not above feelings of longing, pride, and reconciliation.
Beyond its religious significance, Hera Panchami is a cultural jewel that illustrates the enduring richness of Odisha’s ritual heritage and the timeless relevance of stories rooted in love, faith, and emotion. As the palanquin of Goddess Lakshmi moves silently back to her abode, we are left with a deeper understanding of devotion—not as blind submission, but as a balanced relationship between love and dignity.