Snana Yatra 2025: Sacred Bathing Ritual of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra to Be Observed Tomorrow

The sacred festival of Snana Yatra, also known as Snana Purnima, which marks the beginning of the annual Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival), will be observed tomorrow at the Jagannath Temple in Puri. Celebrated with great devotion and tradition, this auspicious occasion is the first public appearance of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra in the annual calendar.

As part of the ritual, 108 pitchers of sanctified and perfumed water, drawn from a sacred source known as the ‘Golden Well’, are used to ceremonially bathe the deities. Each of the deities receives a specific number of pitchers: 35 for Lord Jagannath, 33 for Lord Balabhadra, 22 for Devi Subhadra, and 18 for Lord Sudarshan.

Before the ritual bath, the deities are adorned in attire crafted from Baula Wood (Indian Medlar or Bulletwood tree), signifying purity and tradition. After the sacred bathing ceremony, it is believed that the deities fall ill due to the exposure, and they are kept in seclusion in a special chamber called Anasara Ghar for nearly two weeks. During this period, devotees are unable to have darshan (viewing) of the deities.

According to ISKCON Kurukshetra, “Following their purification in the holy bathing ceremony, the deities are dressed in the Hathi Besha (elephant attire), symbolizing their playful and affectionate nature.”

This elaborate and deeply symbolic ritual marks the formal beginning of the Rath Yatra, which is scheduled to take place this year on June 27.