symbolic pictureImage Credit source: PTI
Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026: The holy festival of Dev Snan Purnima is being celebrated today in Shri Jagannath Temple located in Puri, Odisha. On this day, Lord Jagannath, elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra are given a great bath with the water of 108 sacred Kalash. This ritual is considered to be the first and most important religious event marking the beginning of the world famous Jagannath Rath Yatra. It is believed that after this royal bath, Lord Jagannath becomes unwell and remains in seclusion for the next 15 days. During this period the devotees do not even get to see him. Let us know about the religious significance of this unique tradition of Dev Snan Purnima and the special things related to it.
What is the significance of Dev Snan Purnima?
Dev Snan Purnima celebrated on the day of Jyeshtha Purnima Lord Jagannath It is considered the day of annual consecration. On this occasion, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra are seated on a special bathing pavilion. After this, amidst the chanting of Vedic mantras, he is given a royal bath with the water of 108 sacred Kalash. It is believed that with this great bath the religious processes of the Rath Yatra festival begin.
108 Why is bathing done only with Kalash?
In Hindu religion, the number 108 is considered very sacred and auspicious. Be it 108 beads of the rosary, 108 Upanishads or 108 divine names, this number has been said to have special spiritual significance. For this reason, 108 Kalash are used in the consecration of Lord Jagannath. The water filled in these Kalash is brought from the golden well situated in the northern direction of the temple complex. According to tradition, this well remains closed throughout the year and is opened only on the day of Dev Snan Purnima.
Why is it called the well of gold?
According to religious belief, this special well was built by King Indradyumna. It is said that he used gold chain in its construction. For this reason it is called the well of gold. From this well, which is about 4 to 5 meters deep, 15 to 17 servants fill water in 108 pots using a special method. After this, the consecration of the Lord is done amidst chanting of mantras.
Why does God get sick after bathing?
The most unique tradition of Dev Snan Purnima is that after the great bath, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra get fever. There is a religious belief that God becomes unwell due to prolonged bathing in cold and medicated water. For this reason he remains in solitary confinement for the next 15 days. During this period, the doors of the temple remain closed for the devotees and only the servants serve, treat and do special worship of the Lord.
What is Ansar Kaal?
The 15 days starting after Mahasnan are called Ansar Kaal. God is not seen during this period. It is believed that just as a sick person is taken care of, God is also given special service and treatment. When God becomes completely healthy, he is presented to the devotees in youthful form. After this he leaves for the city tour in a grand Rath Yatra.
When will Jagannath Rath Yatra start?
After Dev Snan Purnima, God will rest for 15 days. After this there will be Navayuvan Darshan and then the world famous Jagannath Rath Yatra will start from 16th July 2026. This journey will continue till 24 July 2026. During this time, lakhs of devotees from India and abroad reach Puri and have darshan of Lord Jagannath.
Also read: Snan Purnima Festival from 29th June, holy bath of Lord Jagannath, Balbhadra and sister Subhadra, know the tradition.
Disclaimer: The information given in this news is based on religious beliefs and general information. TV9 Bharatvarsha does not confirm this.
