Snana Purnima is one of the most sacred and visually grand rituals in the Jagannath tradition, marking the ceremonial beginning of the Puri Rath Yatra. This festival is not just a religious event but a deeply symbolic practice that represents purification, divine renewal, and spiritual preparation for Lord Jagannath’s chariot journey.
Also Read: Puri Rath Yatra: Know the Rituals and the Legends Behind the Fest
What is Snana Purnima?
Snana Purnima is the ceremonial bathing festival observed on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Jyestha. It is the first time in the year when the deities—Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra—are brought out of the temple’s sanctum to the Snana Mandap (bathing platform) for public viewing and worship.
What Happens During the Snana Purnima Ritual?
On Snana Purnima, the deities are bathed with 108 pitchers of sacred water, which is drawn from the temple’s golden well.
The water is specially prepared with herbs, sandalwood, fragrant flowers, and medicinal elements, reflecting the Ayurvedic tradition of purification and healing.
After the grand bath, the deities don the Hati Besha (Elephant Attire), where their appearance is transformed to resemble Lord Ganesha. This unique form is worshipped as it is believed to remove obstacles and bring blessings to the devotees.
What is the Significance of Hati Besha?
The Hati Besha is a rare and special adornment where Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra are decorated with elephant-like features.
This unique attire signifies strength, wisdom, and protection. It is deeply connected to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, symbolizing the start of an auspicious journey and clearing the path for the forthcoming Rath Yatra.
What is the Anasara Period?
Following the sacred bath, it is believed the deities fall ill due to the intense exposure to water.
They remain in isolation for 15 days (Anasara), during which the temple remains closed to public darshan. During this time, special herbal medicines and a simple diet are offered to the deities to aid recovery. Devotees instead offer prayers to the Anasara Pata, a traditional painted cloth representing the deities.
How Does Snana Purnima Lead to Rath Yatra?
Snana Purnima sets the stage for the grand Rath Yatra. After the Anasara period, the deities are believed to regain their health and reappear for the Rath Yatra, where they travel in beautifully decorated chariots to the Gundicha Temple.
This sequence—from sacred bath to isolation to divine journey—symbolizes cleansing, renewal, and the joyous reunion between the deities and their devotees.
Also Read: Puri Rath Yatra: 10 Fascinating Facts about Jagannath Temple
Snana Purnima is not just a ritual—it is a sacred passage that combines purification, transformation, and celebration. From the Hati Besha to the Anasara period, each step is rich in symbolism, reminding devotees of the cycles of life, health, and spiritual connection.