Puri:June 30 {UDN}: Amid the chanting of sacred hymns, the resonating sounds of conch shells, cymbals, and gongs, and the overwhelming devotion of thousands of devotees, the four deities—Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Sudarshan—were ceremoniously escorted in the traditional Pahandi procession to the Snana Mandap (bathing altar).
As part of the sacred Snana Yatra rituals, the deities will be bathed with water from 108 sanctified ceremonial pitchers (Kalashas/Garas) filled with fragrant and consecrated water drawn according to age-old temple traditions. This grand ceremonial bath marks one of the most significant annual rituals of the Jagannath Temple and symbolizes spiritual purification and divine blessings for humanity.
Following the holy bathing ceremony, the deities will adorn the rare and magnificent Gajanana Besha (Elephant Attire), a unique and highly revered appearance in which Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra are dressed to resemble Lord Ganesha. This special attire is witnessed only once a year, making it a rare and spiritually significant occasion. Thousands of devotees from across India and abroad eagerly gather in Puri to have the divine darshan of the deities in this extraordinary form, seeking blessings for peace, prosperity, and well-being.
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