Puri: The Snana Purnima ritual of the deities of Srimandir, which is considered the prelude to Rath Yatra July 4 was performed as per the schedule amid tight security in presence of lakhs of devotees here Monday.
The deities were escorted from the sanctum sanctorum in a Pahandi procession to the Snana Bedi (bathing altar), an elevated platform in the temple complex facing Badadanda, where the deities were given ceremonial bathe with 108 pitchers of water from a holy well (Suna Kua) blended with aromatic substances like sandalwood paste and camphor, sources said.
“As per the tradition, Lord Sudarshan, the holy weapon of Lord Jagannath, was the first to reach the Snana Bedi from the sanctum sanctorum in a Pahandi procession Monday morning. Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra followed Lord Sudarshan. Lord Jagannath was the last to reach the bathing altar for the ritualistic bath at around 7.40am,” a senior servitor said, adding that servitors poured 35 pitchers of water on Lord Jagannath, 33 pitchers on Lord Balabhadra, 22 pitchers on Devi Subhadra and 18 pitchers on Lord Sudarshan. Then Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb performed the Chhera Panhara (ceremonial sweeping) at 3.10pm.
The deities were adorned with Hati Besa (elephant attire) at 3.35 pm by Puspalak servitors. It was at 4.30 pm when devotees had the darshan of the elephant attire of the deities on Snana Bedi. The divine (Sahan Mella) darshan continued till 9.30 pm. Later, the deities were taken to Anasara Gruha (asylum for the sick) on the temple premises.
As per the tradition, the deities suffer from fever after the bathing ritual and keep themselves confined to the Anasara Gruha for 15 days for medication.
“Devotees couldn’t have a darshan of the deities during the Anasara ritual. However, they can catch a glimpse of the deities, in their youthful form, on the occasion of Nabajouban Darshan—July 2,” said another servitor.
Elaborate arrangements were made for smooth conduct of the annual event as security was strengthened in and around the 12th century shrine. Patrolling by police personnel was stepped up and special measures were ensured to regulate vehicular movement, inspector general of police (Central Range) Soumendra Priyadarshi said.