Snana Yatra is a significant festival primarily celebrated in the state of Odisha, India, especially at the Jagannath Temple in Puri. Snana Yatra marks the ceremonial bathing of the deities Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra with 108 pitchers of aromatic water.
It is observed on the full moon day (Purnima) in the Hindu lunar month of Jyeshtha, which typically falls in May or June in the Gregorian calendar. Snana Yatra marks the ceremonial bathing of the deities Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra with 108 pitchers of aromatic water. The festival holds great religious and cultural significance, and it is considered one of the most important events in the annual calendar of the Jagannath Temple.
Prior to Snana Yatra, elaborate preparations are made at the Jagannath Temple for the grand ceremonial bathing of the deities. The temple premises are cleaned and decorated with flowers, garlands, and colorful rangolis. Devotees and priests make special arrangements for the rituals and ceremonies.
On the day of Snana Yatra, the deities are brought out of the sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) of the Jagannath Temple and placed on a specially erected platform called the Snana Mandap. The deities are then bathed with water drawn from a sacred well (known as the Suna Kua or Golden Well) located within the temple complex. The ceremonial bathing is performed with 108 pitchers of water, accompanied by chanting of mantras and devotional hymns.
After the ceremonial bathing, the deities are adorned with new clothes and jewelry. They are then offered bhoga (food offerings) and arati (ritual of waving lamps) amidst the chanting of prayers and hymns. Devotees gather to witness the divine spectacle and seek blessings from the deities.
Snana Yatra is one of the few occasions when the deities of Jagannath Temple can be viewed by the general public. Thousands of devotees throng the temple premises to catch a glimpse of the divine bath and offer their prayers and obeisance to the deities.
Snana Yatra is believed to cleanse the deities of any impurities and ailments they may have incurred during the year. It is also believed to usher in good health, prosperity, and well-being for the devotees. The aromatic water used for bathing the deities is considered sacred and is distributed among the devotees as holy prasad.
After Snana Yatra, the deities undergo a period of recuperation known as Anavasara or Anasara. During this time, they are kept away from public view and undergo special rituals and treatments to restore their health. The festival culminates with the grand Ratha Yatra, or the Chariot Festival, which takes place after a fortnight.
Snana Yatra is a festival of great religious fervor and devotion, drawing devotees from far and wide to participate in the divine rituals and seek blessings from Lord Jagannath and his divine siblings.
