By exploreodisha.in 
The divine love story of Lord Jagannath and Maa Lakshmi is one of the most fascinating episodes in the spiritual tapestry of Odisha’s Jagannath culture. Among the many rituals observed in the grand Rath Yatra of Puri, one episode stands out for its deep symbolism, emotional resonance, and philosophical depth—the time when Lord Jagannath left the Srimandira (main temple) without informing Goddess Lakshmi and spent nine days at the Gundicha Temple with his siblings, Balabhadra and Subhadra.
This tale, though wrapped in apparent divine mischief, carries profound lessons on love, detachment, forgiveness, and the eternal bond between the Lord and His consort. Let us unravel the intricate spiritual layers, historical roots, and mythological origins behind why Lord Jagannath lied to Maa Lakshmi and what it truly symbolizes.
The Divine Family of Puri
Before delving into the narrative, it is essential to understand the divine structure of the Jagannath Temple at Puri. Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Krishna, resides in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple with his elder brother Balabhadra, younger sister Subhadra, and consort Maa Lakshmi.
While Balabhadra and Subhadra represent the familial bond, Lakshmi symbolizes conjugal love, prosperity, and devotion. The Lord’s sudden departure with his siblings to Gundicha Temple—without informing his wife—sets the stage for one of the most dramatic and emotionally charged sequences in the Rath Yatra celebration.
The Story: Jagannath’s Departure Without Lakshmi
Every year, during the Ashadha month (June–July), the famous Rath Yatra takes place. Lord Jagannath, along with Balabhadra and Subhadra, leaves his abode to visit Gundicha Temple, which is believed to be the home of their maternal aunt (Mausi Maa).
According to legend, when preparations for the journey began, Lord Jagannath promised Maa Lakshmi that he was merely stepping out for a quick visit and would return soon. However, he concealed the truth—that he would remain at Gundicha for nine full days, enjoying with his siblings amidst festivities and adoration from countless devotees.
Lakshmi, expecting his swift return, waited patiently. Days passed, and she learned from others—not from her beloved—that he was feasting, celebrating, and resting in the luxurious lap of Gundicha without a word to her. The feeling of betrayal, abandonment, and exclusion ignited divine fury in the goddess.
Lakshmi’s Response: The Hera Panchami Ritual
On the fifth day of Rath Yatra, a special ritual known as Hera Panchami is observed. This is when Maa Lakshmi sets out to confront Lord Jagannath at the Gundicha Temple.
She arrives in regal procession, adorned in full divine splendour, but not with affection—with controlled anger and royal authority. She stands outside the temple gates and demands to know why her husband had left without informing her, why she wasn’t invited, and why he seemed to enjoy himself in her absence.
Lord Jagannath, caught in his divine lie, does not emerge immediately. Eventually, he tries to pacify her with sweet words and apologies. However, Lakshmi is not easily swayed. As a symbolic act of asserting her power, she orders her servitors to damage part of Jagannath’s chariot, ensuring that he cannot return to the main temple without her approval.
This powerful ritual, Hera Panchami, is re-enacted every year to symbolize the complex dynamics of divine love—a blend of grace, complaint, power, and reconciliation.
The Symbolism Behind the Divine Lie
To the casual observer, it may seem odd—why would a god lie to his consort? But in Sanatana Dharma, divine actions (leelas) are not judged by human morality; instead, they convey deeper cosmic truths.
Here’s what this tale truly signifies:
1. Lord Jagannath as Krishna, Enacting a Leela
Lord Jagannath is identified with Lord Krishna, who was known for his playful and mystical behavior. Just as Krishna left Radha and the gopis in Vrindavan for a larger cosmic purpose, Jagannath’s act of leaving Lakshmi represents temporary worldly detachment for universal outreach. His journey to Gundicha symbolizes his desire to reach out to all devotees, including those from his maternal roots and broader society.
2. Lakshmi as Shakti (Power and Order)
Lakshmi, far from being a passive consort, embodies Shakti, the power that sustains dharma (cosmic order). Her confrontation represents the voice of justice and fidelity, ensuring that even gods are held accountable. Her insistence on being acknowledged is symbolic of divine balance—Shakti must be respected and appeased.
3. The Lie as a Catalyst for Devotion
The lie also acts as a spiritual device—it introduces drama, separation, and longing, which are essential aspects of Bhakti (devotion). The waiting of Lakshmi, her pain, and eventual reunion with Jagannath mirror the soul’s yearning for the divine, which is only fulfilled after trials of love and detachment.
Historical and Cultural Origin of the Ritual
The origins of this divine episode are embedded in the Jagannath Sanskriti (culture) of Odisha, which blends Vedic, tribal, and Tantric traditions. The concept of God going on a holiday without informing his wife and facing the consequences is not merely religious storytelling—it is socially symbolic.
In Odisha’s folk traditions, Hera Panchami is often interpreted as the assertion of the feminine voice, a celebration of Goddess Lakshmi’s independence and moral authority. Scholars suggest that the ritual may have evolved as a means to include the goddess in a male-dominated celebration, reflecting societal values of fairness, balance, and mutual respect in divine relationships.
The earliest references to these rituals are found in the Skanda Purana, Padma Purana, and local Odia scriptures, which speak of the divine travels of Jagannath and the power of Lakshmi to restore cosmic order.
Return and Reconciliation: The Unity of Divine Love
After nine days at Gundicha, during the Bahuda Yatra (return journey), Lord Jagannath proceeds back to the main temple. But this journey is not without reconciliation. On the way, he stops at the Mahalaxmi Temple, near the main gate of the Jagannath Temple, where a private ritual of reunion takes place.
Here, the Lord is forgiven, and Lakshmi welcomes him back—not with submission, but with dignity. The Lord, now reminded of his duties and responsibilities, reenters the Srimandira with his siblings.
This return signifies that even the divine must return to balance, and that union after separation makes the spiritual bond stronger and more meaningful.
Conclusion: A Cosmic Drama of Eternal Love
The story of why Lord Jagannath lied to Maa Lakshmi is not a mere anecdote. It is a cosmic drama, a symbolic journey through love, longing, ego, devotion, and reunion. It shows that even in divine realms, relationships are dynamic, filled with emotion, power, and reconciliation.
This unique episode, enacted year after year through living rituals like Hera Panchami and Bahuda Yatra, keeps alive the philosophical essence of Sanatana Dharma—that truth is layered, love is eternal, and every act of God is a lesson in human life.
So, when Lakshmi confronts Jagannath, she is not just a wife questioning a husband—she is Shakti confronting Purusha, the eternal feminine demanding respect, honesty, and divine equilibrium. And Jagannath’s apology is not weakness, but divine humility, a reminder that love requires accountability—even among gods.