After the grand ritual of Snana Yatra, when Mahaprabhu Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra are bathed with 108 pitchers of aromatic water, they are believed to fall ill and enter a period of rest known as Anasara.
During this fortnight-long seclusion inside the Anasara Gruha of Srimandir, the deities are offered traditional treatments to regain their divine health. A crucial element in this sacred healing process is Phuluri Tela, a medicated herbal oil with roots in ancient Ayurvedic practices.
How Phuluri Tela is Made?
The Phuluri Tela is prepared on the Hera Panchami day- the fifth day of the Rath Yatra; it is used on the fifth day of the deities’ quarantine period the following year.
This unique oil is prepared every year with deep religious fervour at the Bada Odia mutt in Puri. It is a blend of sesame oil and a carefully selected mix of medicinal herbs such as bena chera, chandana (sandalwood), jatiphula (nutmeg), jatumani, and harida (turmeric).
After mixing, the oil is stored in clay pots and allowed to mature for over a year, enhancing its therapeutic properties.
Just before the Anasara period begins, the oil is formally handed over to the Shree Jagannath Temple administration. Temple servitors then apply the oil to the wooden idols, believed to embody the living deities, as part of a sacred healing ritual.
The use of Phuluri Tela not only symbolises care and devotion but also reflects the blend of spirituality and traditional knowledge that defines Jagannath culture.
Its continued use is a testament to Odisha’s deep-rooted temple traditions and respect for holistic healing.