Lakshmi’s Journey Home: The Heartfelt Tale Behind Shri Jagannath’s Pahili Bhog

 

The Shri Jagannath Temple in Puri is not just a place of worship; it’s a stage for divine narratives, each filled with love, devotion, and endearing human-like qualities. Today, let’s explore a heartwarming story about Goddess Lakshmi’s wish to visit her father, and how this divine desire led to the beautiful tradition of Pahili Bhog.

 

A Morning of Sweet Longing

 

It was a chilly morning of Dhanu Sankranti. Lord Jagannath was still in bed when the temple doors hadn’t yet been opened. Servitors and priests prepared for the morning rituals. Suddenly, Goddess Lakshmi entered, holding the aarti (prayer lamp) and arghya thali (offering plate).

 

Lord Jagannath, slightly surprised, sat on the Ratna Singhasana (jeweled throne), and Subhadra also took her seat. Yawning and stretching, Lord Jagannath playfully asked, “O Sindhuja, why are you here so early? Is something wrong?”

 

Goddess Lakshmi, with a gentle smile, replied, “My Lord, I have a small request, but I’ll reveal it once you give me your word.” Amused, Lord Jagannath said, “Oh, the provider of the universe, the nurturer, the very goddess of abundance is asking for something? Very well, I promise.”

 

A Daughter’s Yearning

 

Humbly, Goddess Lakshmi then said, “My Lord, it has been a long time since I visited my father, Varuna. I miss him dearly and seek your permission to visit him.”

 

Lord Jagannath, teasing her, said, “Hmm, so you wish to go so soon? And you will go alone? And, what will you offer them? Won’t you take gifts with you? And what about today’s Dhanu Sankranti? How can we prepare the Dhanu Muan (a sweet offering) so quickly?”

 

Goddess Lakshmi reassured, “My Lord, everything is ready! As the priests open the doors, everything will be arranged. Grant me permission for a month so that I can visit my parental home.”

 

Lord Jagannath, feigning shock, replied, “What! A month? Then who will take care of us? I cannot agree without my elder brother’s consent.”

 

Goddess Lakshmi, smiling, responded, “Oh, that’s nothing, you are great at convincing him. You please talk to him and he’ll agree to that! Everything for the chhatisha niyoga (temple servitors) is ready – the rice, pulses, vegetables, and ghee – so there will be no problem at all!”

 

Lord Jagannath jokingly said, “No, not without the sound of Lakshmi’s golden chatu (cooking spoon), my elder brother will not agree.”

 

The Origin of Pahili Bhog

 

Goddess Lakshmi then said, “My Lord, when the month of Margashira arrives, I miss the Dwapara Yuga. I remember Mother Yashoda’s hand-prepared, ghee-rich rice and her loving calls of Dukhidhana (beloved son), Nilamani (Sapphire One). Even with all the arrangements here in Nilachala, you long for that era! You, the vichitra karma (one who performs wonders), if you can make that happen, then everyone will be happy and the month will be over quickly and I will visit my father’s house as well.”

 

Lord Jagannath smiled and said, “So, you are suggesting that another bhog be arranged in the temple before Ballava Bhog?” Very well. To commemorate Goddess Lakshmi, we will institute a new tradition – the Pahili Bhog. We will offer that bhog along with Balabhadra and Subhadra and then, after offering it to Goddess Vimala, it will be available for the devotees to take!”

 

As Lakshmi prepared the aarti, she glanced at the Ratna Singhasana, and said, “Victory to the Lord!” Laughing, Lord Jagannath corrected, “No, not that; instead, say, ‘Victory to the elder Lord,’ and ‘May your journey be blissful.’” Balabhadra had been watching the conversation with a keen eye, while Subhadra just smiled.

 

A Reminder of Divine Love

 

The beautiful story of Goddess Lakshmi’s longing for her parents and Lord Jagannath’s loving gesture led to the tradition of Pahili Bhog. This tradition, during the month of Margashira, highlights the love and tenderness between a mother and her child. It’s a time when the Lord accepts offerings prepared with utmost devotion, reminiscent of Mother Yashoda’s love for Lord Krishna and Balarama.

 

Bringing the Divine Home

 

If you feel moved by this heartwarming story and want to connect with the rich culture of Shri Jagannath, explore the handcrafted items at justkalinga.com. With worldwide shipping, you can bring the essence of this sacred land into your own home.

 

• Jai jagannath 😊🙏