Puri, June 11: The holy city of Puri is brimming with spiritual energy as thousands of devotees gather to witness the grand celebration of Snana Purnima, one of the most sacred rituals in the Jagannath Temple calendar. This auspicious occasion marks the ceremonial bathing of Lord Jagannath and His siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, on the Snana Mandap (bathing platform) of the Srimandir.
On this special day, the deities are brought out from the sanctum sanctorum (Ratna Bedi) to the Snana Mandap, where they are bathed with 108 pots of scented water drawn from the sacred Suna Kua (Golden Well). The ritual is performed with great reverence by the temple priests, following centuries-old traditions. After the sacred bath, the deities appear in their unique Hati Besha (elephant attire), believed to resemble Lord Ganesha. This rare appearance draws massive crowds, as devotees consider a glimpse of this form to be highly auspicious and spiritually rewarding.
The rituals began early in the morning, with the temple servitors (Sevayats) preparing for the ceremonial procession, known as Pahandi, where the deities are carried to the bathing altar. The atmosphere in Puri is charged with devotion, chants, and the rhythmic beats of traditional instruments, creating an unforgettable spiritual experience.
The Hati Besha costumes are intricately crafted using banana leaves, jute, silk, zari work, and traditional decorative materials. The attire for Lord Jagannath and Devi Subhadra is provided by the Raghaba Das Matha, while Lord Balabhadra’s outfit comes from the Gopal Tirtha Matha. These attires are prepared by artisans who have inherited this sacred responsibility through generations and are supported by the mathas.
With lakhs of devotees expected to participate, the Puri district administration and Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) have put elaborate security and crowd control measures in place. Over 70 police platoons and a special task force have been deployed. The entire city, including Bada Danda (Grand Road), is under CCTV surveillance. Arrangements for drinking water, traffic diversions, and emergency services have also been made, ensuring a smooth and safe celebration for all.
The Snana Yatra also signifies the beginning of a special phase in the Jagannath tradition. After the bath, the deities are believed to fall ill and retreat into a 15-day period known as Anasara, during which they are kept away from public view to recuperate. They re-emerge during the world-famous Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival).
For devotees, Snana Purnima is more than just a ritual—it is an emotional and deeply spiritual moment. Witnessing the deities in Hati Besha is believed to bestow immense spiritual merit, and for many, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
As the day unfolds, the sacred town of Puri continues to echo with prayers, rituals, and devotion, marking Snana Purnima as a grand prelude to the upcoming Rath Yatra.