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There is not only a feeling of devotion and reverence behind the world famous ‘Rath Yatra’ of Puri, but there are many mythological stories associated with it, which astonish the devotees even today. Do you know that during the Rath Yatra, there is an incident when there is a discord between Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Jagannath? According to folklore, once Goddess Lakshmi had broken the chariot of Lord Jagannath. After all, what was the reason behind this anger of the Goddess and why did she have to return secretly through the secret route? Let us know the whole truth behind this mysterious incident.
Unique respect of Lakshmi-Narayan during Rath Yatra
According to mythological beliefs, when Lord Jagannath goes to Gundicha temple (his aunt’s house) with his sister Subhadra and brother Balabhadra for nine days, Goddess Lakshmi, who is left alone in the temple, does not like it. Devotees believe that on the fourth day of ‘Hera Panchami’, Goddess Lakshmi reaches the Gundicha temple to receive Lord Jagannath. This fierce form of the Goddess is seen on this special day of Rath Yatra. It is said that when Mata Lakshmi’s carriage—the golden palanquin—reaches the Gundicha temple, she becomes angry with Jagannath Swami as to why he set out on the journey without informing her.
Why did Goddess Lakshmi break God’s chariot?
According to the folklore of ‘Hera Panchami’, when Mata Lakshmi reached Gundicha temple, she saw Lord Jagannath sitting there with joy. Angered by this neglect of her beloved deity and the pain of being left alone, Goddess Lakshmi damaged a part of the Lord’s chariot. This symbolically represented a wife’s right and love to be angry with her husband. Through this incident devotees understand how human and intimate their relationship with God is. Breaking this piece of the chariot is actually considered a part of a divine leela.
The secret of return through the secret route
After breaking a part of the chariot, when Lord Jagannath realized his mistake, he made several promises to appease Goddess Lakshmi. According to folk beliefs, after breaking the chariot, Goddess Lakshmi returned to the temple not directly through the main route, but through a secret route (called Hera Gohari Sahi Marg). Even today this tradition is followed in Puri. On the day of Hera Panchami, devotees witness this secret journey of Goddess Lakshmi. This incident teaches us that there is respect and pride in love and in the end only dedication wins. This amazing saga is still a major part of the glory of Jagannath Dham.