Jagannath Rath Yatra is a significant Hindu festival which is mostly celebrated in Odisha. Each year, the sacred town of Puri in Odisha bursts with spirituality, devotion, and festivity while it celebrates the Jagannath Rath Yatra, one of India's largest and most ancient festivals. In this yearly procession, Lord Jagannath, accompanied by his siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, travels from the holy Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple.
The famous ongoing Jagannath Rath Yatra draws lakhs of devotees from across the country. One of the important rituals observed during this Yatra is Hera Panchami, which falls on the fifth day of the Rath Yatra. Here's everything you need to know about the auspicious day.
What is Hera Panchami?
Hera Panchami is a special ritual performed at the Gundicha Temple in Puri, Odisha. In 2025, Hera Panchami will be observed on July 1, 2025. The auspicious day marks the symbolic visit of Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Jagannath, to the Gudicha temple to inquire about the Lord Jagannath, who has stayed away from his home for five days during the Rath Yatra. The word Hera means to see and Panchami means to the fifth day.
History and significance of Hira Panchami
As per legend, Goddess Lakshmi feels neglected as Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, leaves the main Jagannath Temple and stays at Gundicha Temple during the Yatra. On the fifth day, Lakshmi Devi visits the Gundicha Temple to express her displeasure over the Lord's long stay away from home. This event symbolises the sweet and divine relationship between Lord Jagannath and Goddess Lakshmi.
Rituals of Hera Panchami
The main ritual involves a special procession of Goddess Lakshmi, carried in a beautifully decorated palanquin from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple. Devotees gather in large numbers to witness this sacred moment. After reaching, the Goddess is ritually welcomed. A unique part of the ritual includes the symbolic breaking of a part of the chariot by Lakshmi's servitors, showing her anger.
After this, she returns secretly to the Jagannath Temple through a separate path. Hera Panchami highlights the emotional and spiritual bond between the deities and remains one of the most awaited parts of the Rath Yatra celebrations.
