Snana Purnima is the ceremonial bathing of the deities Lord Jagannath and his siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra. This occasion, held on the total moon day of the Jyestha month, is a vital precursor to the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra.
The rituals
On Snana Purnima, the deities are introduced out from the sanctum sanctorum to the Snana Mandap, an elevated platform dealing with the principle avenue, in a grand procession known as ‘Pahandi’.
After the ‘Mangal Arati’, the deities are ready for the ritualistic bathtub. They’re adorned with ‘Senapatta’, a particular physique armour constructed from ‘Baula’ wooden, by the Daitapatis (particular monks who’re descendants of the unique tribal worshippers) who take cost of the common monks the earlier night time.
The sacred bathtub
Following this, the Suaras and Mahasuaras, who’re temple servants, go in a ceremonial procession to fetch water from the Suna Kua (Golden Effectively) within the temple premises. They use copper and gold vessels and even cowl their mouths with material to stop any contamination.
The Palla pandas, a category of Brahmin monks, purify the water utilizing turmeric (Haridra), entire rice (Java), benachera, sandalwood (Chandan), aguru, flower perfumes, and medicinal herbs.
Throughout the morning hours of the Purnima tithi, the Suaras carry these vessels in a single-line procession to the Snana Vedi, the washing platform.
Earlier than the washing ceremony, the deities are coated in silken material and smeared with purple vermillion powder. They’re then taken in procession to a specifically embellished and purified platform.
The deities are then bathed with 108 pitchers of this water in a ritual often called ‘Jalabhisheka’.
The deities are wearing Hathi Vesha (elephant apparel) after the tub. Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra are dressed like elephants, whereas Devi Subhadra wears a lotus flower gown. This custom is linked to a legend the place Lord Jagannath appeared in an elephant kind to please a devotee of Lord Ganesha.
Following this, Puri King Gajapati Maharaj Dibyasingha Deb or his consultant performs the ‘Chhera Pahanra’, a ceremonial sweep, after which devotees are allowed a public darshan of the deities.
Significance of Snana Purnima
Snana Purnima precedes the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra. Devotees consider that witnessing the deities on this auspicious day cleanses them of sins. This sacred bathtub ritual is a necessary a part of the deities’ annual cycle and symbolises purification and renewal, main as much as the grand Rath Yatra competition.
Following Snana Purnima, the deities are avoided public view for fifteen days in a particular room known as the Ratan Vedi. This era, often called ‘Anabasara Kala’, includes no public worship. On the sixteenth day, the deities reappear for public viewing in an occasion known as Netrotsava or Naba Yauvanotsava.
Ready for response to load…
