Deva Snana Purnima 2026: Rituals, Significance & Date of Snana Yatra in Puri

 

Deva Snana Purnima, also known as Snana Yatra, is a sacred bathing festival observed on the Jyeshtha Purnima (full moon day of the Jyeshtha month). It is a prelude to the grand Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri and is considered one of the most significant rituals in the Jagannath Temple.

Rituals of Deva Snana Purnima

• The idols of Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra are ceremoniously brought out from the sanctum in a grand Pahandi procession.
• They are placed on the Snana Bedi (Bathing Altar), where 108 pitchers of aromatic and herbal water from the temple well are used for their sacred bath.
• After the bath, the deities are dressed in Sada Besha and later adorned in Hathi Besha, resembling Lord Ganesha.
• A special Bhog (offering) is prepared for the deities.
• In the evening, the deities appear for Sahanamela, allowing devotees to have darshan.
• At night, the deities enter the Anasara period, a 15-day solitary confinement, during which they are believed to recover from the effects of the bath.
• The idols reappear for public viewing just before the Rath Yatra, marking the beginning of the grand chariot festival.

Significance of Deva Snana Purnima

• Some devotees consider this festival as Lord Jagannath’s birthday.
• According to Skanda Purana, King Indradyumna initiated this ritual after installing the deities in the Jagannath Temple.
• It is believed that darshan on this day absolves devotees of all sins.
• The Anasara period symbolizes the deities falling ill and recovering before their grand journey in the Rath Yatra.

2026 Date: June 29.