Snana Purnima marks the beginning of the Puri Rath Yatra festivities and holds immense religious significance in Jagannath culture.
Snana Purnima is observed on the full moon day of Jyestha month and commemorates the ceremonial bathing of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra.
It is the first time in the year when devotees get to see the deities in public, as they are brought out from the sanctum to the Snana Mandap (bathing platform).
The sibling deities are bathed with 108 pitchers of sacred water drawn from the golden well inside the temple premises by servitors after special rituals.
The water used is infused with fragrant herbs and flowers to purify and energize the deities, reflecting the ancient Ayurvedic tradition.
After the sacred bath, the deities are dressed in elephant-like attire known as Hati Besha, symbolizing Lord Ganesha.
Following the ritualistic bath, the deities are believed to fall ill and are kept away from public view for 15 days – a phase called ‘Anasara’.
During Anasara, temple doors remain closed and devotees visit the Anasara Pata (a painted cloth) in place of the deities.
The deities are given Ayurvedic medicines and special diets during this period to regain health before reappearing on Rath Yatra.
Snana Purnima is a vital ritual that leads to Rath Yatra, symbolizing spiritual cleansing and preparation for the divine journey to Gundicha Temple.