The deities are bathed using 108 pots of ritually purified water infused with sandalwood paste, camphor, and fragrant herbs.
Snana Yatra: Witnessing the sacred bath of Lord Jagannath and his siblings: Jagannath Snana Yatra, also known as Deba Snana Purnima, is an auspicious sacred bathing festival dedicated to Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. This festival is observed on the full moon day(Purnima) of the Jyestha month in the traditional Hindu calendar. This year, Deba Snana Purnima falls on June 29. The divine deities are brought out from the inner sanctum of the temple(Ratna Bedi) to the Snana Bedi in a ceremonial Pahandi. Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings and lord Sudarshan, receives the grandest and holiest bath in the universe ever.
The Sacred Bathing Ritual
The Snana Bedi is decorated with traditional painting and flowers. The deities are bathed using 108 pots of ritually purified water infused with sandalwood paste, camphor and fragrant herbs. The Suaras and Mahasuaras take out a ceremonial procession to fetch 108 pots of water from the golden well(Suna Kua) situated in the temple premises. Devotees believe that getting a glimpse of the deities during this holy bath cleanses their sins.
On the morning of Snana Yatra, all the servitors cover their mouth with pieces of cloth during the entire process to ensure their breath does not contaminate the water. Out of 108 pots of holy water, 35 pots of water are poured over Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra bathes with 33 pots of water, while 22 pots of water are poured on Goddess Subhadra and Lord Sudarshan is bathed with 18 pots of water.
Hathi Besa
Following the sacred bath ritual, the deities are adorned as ‘Hathi Besa’ or ‘Gajanan Besa’. Lord Jagannath and Lord Balarama are dressed in elephant costumes(with trunk and tusks) while goddess Subhadra is adorned with lotus flower.
Anavasara(or Anasara) Period
After bathing with 108 pots of fragrance water it is believed that the deities catch fever. They are quarantined for next 15 days. They are treated in isolated sick room called Anasara Ghara. The deities are treated with herbal medicines and juice and are allowed to rest.
ALSO READ: Vat Purnima 2026: Know why Vat tree is worshipped?
