Srikhetra Prepares For ‘Snana Jatra’

Puri: As a prelude to the famous Rath Jatra at Puri, the sacred ‘Deba Snana Purnima’ of Lord Jagannath and his sibling deities is set to take place tomorrow. This will be the first occasion this year, according to the Hindu calendar, when the deities will be brought out from the temple in a grand procession to the Snana Mandap.

During the Snana Purnima, the deities will be bathed, decorated with the ‘Hati Besha’ (elephant costume), and flaunted for public darshan. The Snana Purnima is a sacred bathing festival held on the full-moon day (purnima) of the Jyestha month. Devotees believe that witnessing Lord Jagannath on this holy day washes away their sins, attracting thousands of pilgrims from around the world. The bathing platform, located to the north-east of Ananda Bazar beside the outer wall of the temple (Meghanada Pacheri), is elevated so visitors outside the temple can also view the deities.

A significant part of the Snana Yatra is the Jalabhisheka, where 108 pots of water are fetched from the Suna Kua (Golden well) in a ceremonial procession. This holy water, drawn only once a year, is then preserved in the Bhoga Mandap and purified by priests with turmeric, whole rice, sandalwood, flowers, and perfumes. The purified water pots are carried to the bathing platform by the Suaras in a long, single-file procession.

After the bathing ritual, the deities believe a special elephant form known as ‘Hati Besha’. Lord Jagannath and Lord Balaram are dressed like elephants, while Goddess Subhadra wears a lotus flower Besha.

Following the Snana Yatra, the deities are believed to fall ill and are kept in a special sick room within the temple called ‘ansara’. They remain out of public view for 15 days during a period known as ‘Anabasara’ or ‘Anasara’, where they are offered only fruits, water mixed with cheese, and Dasamula medicines. The Raj Vaidya (the King’s physician) treats them with specific medicines during this time, and the daily temple rites are suspended.

Due to the sacred bath, the colors on the images fade, and the Daitas repaint them with new colors. On the 16th day, the deities reappear in their new forms, ready for public view, marking the end of the Anasara period and their return to the temple pedestal.