Rishi Panchami: Goddess Laxmi worships Saptarshies

Puri, Sept 1: A special ritual has been performed in Shri Jagannath Temple, Puri today on the day following the Ganesh Puja. The ritual known as ‘Rishi Panchami’ or ‘Guru Panchami’, was performed on the 12th-century temple complex on Thursday. On completion of the daily ritual of the Trinity, Goddess Laxmi was taken out of her abode at the noon after the daily worship. Bedecked in a palanquin, she was taken out in a procession for the Markendeya temple. Maa Laxmi was offered a special puja there, after a special bath and herbal treatment to her golden idol. The servitors offered her Sitala bhog whereas fruits were presented for the Saptarshies (Seven hermits) and brought the Goddess back to her temple. A core servitor of the temple said that the Panchami(fifth) day of this lunar month is celebrated as Rishi Panchami or Guru Panchami. On the occasion, the Swarna Mahalaxmi, who is worshiped near the Trinity in the sanctum sanctorum of the Jagannath temple, leaves Shrimandir for the Markandeya ashram. {"id":209752,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} On this day, Mahalaxmi herself observes Vrata, seeking blessings of hermits and saints. In general, seven kinds of fruits and seven types of flowers are offered to the hermits during the Rishi Panchami puja. On completion of puja, Mahalaxmi returns to her temple almost in the evening, after which another ritual known as the Daha Lila ritual is performed. Rishi Panchami is widely performed in Puri as a special puja offered to Mahalaxmi and the Sapta Rishies. Mostly the women perform it by observing fast, wishing the well-being of their families.