Puri, India – June 22, 2024: Devotees from across the country converged on the holy city of Puri to celebrate Snana Purnima, a significant ritual in the Hindu calendar. This annual festival marks the ceremonial bathing of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra, and is celebrated with great fervor and devotion by millions of worshippers.
The ritual, also known as Deba Snana Purnima, is held at the Jagannath Temple, one of the Char Dhams (four abodes) of Hindu pilgrimage. The event occurs on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Jyeshtha, typically in June. This year, the festival witnessed an unprecedented turnout of devotees, eager to partake in the divine blessings.
Historical and Spiritual Significance
Snana Purnima is believed to be the oldest and largest bathing festival in India. The ritual has its roots in ancient scriptures and traditions, which emphasize the purification and rejuvenation of the deities. According to legend, the deities were bathed to ward off the heat of the summer season. This ritual bathing is considered to purify the devotees as well, symbolizing the cleansing of sins and the attainment of spiritual merit.
The Ritual Bathing
The ritual began early in the morning with the procession of the deities from the sanctum sanctorum to the Snana Mandap, a specially constructed platform within the temple premises. The deities were then bathed with 108 pitchers of sacred water drawn from the Golden Well (Suna Kua) within the temple complex. This water is infused with herbal essences and flowers, adding a divine fragrance to the ceremony.
The bathing ritual is performed by a group of servitors known as ‘Daitapatis,’ who follow strict religious observances and rituals. The deities are adorned with new garments and jewelry, and a special type of sandalwood paste is applied to their bodies. This elaborate ritual is accompanied by the chanting of Vedic hymns and the playing of traditional musical instruments.
The Hati Besha
Following the bathing ceremony, the deities are dressed in the Hati Besha or elephant attire. This unique adornment depicts the deities as Lord Ganesha, symbolizing wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. The Hati Besha is a visual delight, attracting thousands of devotees who gather to witness this rare and auspicious sight.
Illness and Anavasara
Post the Snana Purnima ritual, it is believed that the deities fall ill due to the extensive bathing. Consequently, they retire to a secluded chamber known as ‘Anavasara Ghar’ for a period of 15 days. During this time, the temple doors are closed to the public, and the deities undergo a period of rest and rejuvenation, similar to the human concept of convalescence.
Devotees’ Reactions
Devotees expressed deep reverence and joy in participating in the Snana Purnima celebrations. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The divine atmosphere and the sight of the beautifully adorned deities fill our hearts with immense devotion and peace,” said Suresh Mishra, a pilgrim from Bihar.
Local authorities made extensive arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival. Security was heightened, and medical teams were deployed to handle any emergencies. Despite the large crowd, the event concluded peacefully with no major incidents reported.
Snana Purnima continues to be a symbol of faith, tradition, and community spirit. The festival not only strengthens the cultural fabric of the region but also serves as a reminder of the rich heritage and enduring spirituality that defines Hinduism. As devotees return to their homes, they carry with them the blessings and memories of a truly divine experience.