Snana Purnima: Deities take Holy Bath at Snana Mandap in Puri

Puri: Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra today took holy bath at the Snana Mandap of the Shree Jagannath Temple here on the sacred occasion of Deba Snana Purnima.

The Pahandi ritual of the deities began at around 4 am as servitors took the Trinity and Lord Sudarshan to the Snana Mandap in a ceremonial procession.

Lord Sudarshan was the first to be placed at the Snana Mandap, followed by Lord Balabhadra, Goddess Subhadra and Lord Jagannath. The Pahandi concluded at around 6 am.

As per rituals, the deities were accorded a bath with 108 pitchers of aromatic water by a group of servitors. While the servitors poured 35 pots of water on Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra had shower with 33 pots of water, Devi Subhadra with 22 pots of water and Lord Sudarshan took bath with 18 pots of water.

After the ritualistic bath, it is believed that the deities suffer from cold and fever. The idols are then kept away from public view for fifteen days at Anasara Ghara for treatment for which specific rituals are performed. This period of isolation is called Anasara, which means improper time for worship.

On the 16th day, the idols in their youthful forms become ready for public view. The first appearance of the deities after the bathing festival is called Netrotsaba or Naba Jaubana Darshan.