Devotees from Around the World Celebrate Deva Snana Purnima in Puri
On the occasion of Deva Snana Purnima, devotees from across India and other countries gathered in Puri to witness the ‘snana yatra’ of Lord Jagannath and his siblings, Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra.
Devotees’ Experiences
A Russian devotee, who has been living in India for 25 years, expressed that Lord Jagannath unites all people in divine love. He said, “Lord Jagannath is Krishna. Everyone knows Krishna Janmashtami. Lord Jagannath unites all people in divine love. He is lord of the Universe.”
Devotees from Bangladesh also shared their experiences. One said, “Every year we come here during the Deva Snana Purnima. We watch Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra taking bath together. Thousands of people come from Bangladesh to have a glimpse of the bathing because in Puranas it is written that those who will watch it will get salvation.”
The Rituals
The Deva Snana Purnima of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra began in the morning. The deities were brought to the Snana Mandap, an elevated platform, to take a ceremonial bath with 108 pitchers of sacred water. After the bath, the deities are adorned in Gajanan Besa, resembling Ganesha.
This festival, celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Jyeshtha, is believed to be the birthday of Lord Jagannath. It is one of the rare occasions when the deities are publicly visible, giving devotees a close view before the famous Rath Yatra.
Post-Bath Seclusion
Following the bath, it is believed that the deities become unwell and enter a 15-day seclusion period known as “Anavasara.” During this time, they are kept away from public view and offered special medicinal preparations called ‘Phuluri Tela’ to aid in their recovery. Devotees can see the ‘Patti Dians’ (painted images) of the deities during this period.
After Anavasara, the deities re-emerge for the grand Rath Yatra, where they are placed on magnificent chariots and taken on a procession through the streets of Puri to the Gundicha Temple. This event is one of the most celebrated and attended, symbolizing the deities’ blessing and grace upon all devotees.
