Each nook of India has its distinct customs and rituals, every holding a deep religious significance. One such custom that has been celebrated for hundreds of years is Snana Purnima, also referred to as Deba Snana Purnima. This auspicious event falls on the complete moon day within the Hindu month of Jyeshtha, which normally falls in June. It’s a important ritual carried out on the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, earlier than the grand Rath Yatra competition. This yr, the holy ceremony is being celebrated on June 22.
Snana Purnima is a holy bathing ceremony of Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra. It marks the start of the annual chariot competition or Rath Yatra, which is without doubt one of the most well-known and grandest festivals in India. The ritual has a deep-rooted religious significance and attracts 1000’s of devotees from everywhere in the world.
The Legend behind Snana Purnima:
In keeping with Hindu mythology, King Indradyumna, an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu, wished to construct a powerful temple for the Lord. He was instructed by Narada Muni to carve three idols out of logs discovered on the shores of Puri. The king adopted the directions and carved idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra.
Nevertheless, there’s a perception that these idols are incomplete with out the ‘Brahma Padartha,’ a divine essence that offers life to the deities. It’s believed that each twelve years, Lord Brahma himself visits the Jagannath Temple in Puri and performs a secret ritual to switch this essence to the idols, giving them life.
The Rituals of Snana Purnima:
The Snana Purnima ritual begins with the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra being introduced out of the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) of the temple in a grand procession. The deities are then positioned on a particular platform referred to as ‘Snana Bedi’ within the outer courtyard of the temple.
The deities are then bathed with 108 pitchers of fragrant and holy water, which is believed to treatment all illnesses and purify the thoughts, physique, and soul. This water is made by mixing sandalwood paste, camphor, and varied herbs and flowers. The devotees consider that taking a dip on this holy water on Snana Purnima will wash away all their sins and convey them nearer to the divine.
The ritual is carried out by a bunch of monks referred to as ‘Pandas,’ who’re the descendants of the unique sculptors of the idols. The monks chant sacred mantras and supply varied objects like flowers, fruits, and sweets to the deities throughout the bathing ceremony.
After the primary spherical of bathing, the deities are taken contained in the temple for a particular ritual referred to as ‘Hati Besha.’ Throughout this ritual, the deities are wearing elephant-like apparel, and it’s believed that this manner symbolizes Lord Vishnu’s ten avatars.
The second spherical of bathing is called ‘Gaja Vesha.’ The deities are adorned with gold ornaments and wearing lion-like apparel. This type represents Lord Jagannath’s lion incarnation, Narasimha.
After the second spherical of bathing, the idols are taken again to their respective chambers for 15 days. This time is called ‘Anavasara’ when the deities are believed to fall sick resulting from a chilly tub. The temple stays closed throughout this time, and the deities are given particular natural therapies to recuperate.
The Grand Finale on Rath Yatra:
After 15 days, the deities are introduced again to the Snana Bedi for the grand finale of the ritual. This is called ‘Hera Panchami’ when Lord Jagannath, accompanied by his siblings, goes on a procession to Goddess Gundicha’s temple, situated about 3 km away from the Jagannath Temple. This ritual marks the start of the Rath Yatra competition.
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