Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: Why Lord Jagannath Falls "Ill" for 15 Days After the Grand Snana Yatra
The grand Jagannath Rath Yatra of Puri, Odisha is one of the most celebrated festivals in India, drawing millions of devotees from around the world. Every year, on the Dwitiya Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashadha, Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, embarks on a majestic journey from the Shri Mandir to the Gundicha Temple, riding on beautifully decorated chariots pulled by devotees.
But did you know that before this iconic Rath Yatra begins, Lord Jagannath falls “ill” for 15 days? This sacred period, known as Anasara, starts right after a unique and spiritually significant event – the Snana Yatra.
What is Snana Yatra?
Snana Yatra, also called Snana Purnima, is a ceremonial bathing ritual held every year on the full moon day of Jyeshtha month. On this day, the deities—Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra—are brought out from the sanctum of the temple to the Snana Bedi (a special bathing platform) in the temple premises. This is the rare occasion when devotees can get a public darshan of the deities before Rath Yatra.
The deities are then bathed with 108 golden pots filled with sacred water. This water is specially collected and mixed with various divine substances like sandalwood paste, rose water, ghee, curd, and water from different holy rivers across India. This grand bathing ritual is believed to purify the atmosphere and bless the devotees with peace and prosperity.
Why Does Lord Jagannath Fall Ill After Snana Yatra?
According to legends, after the extensive Snana (bath), the deities fall ill due to exposure to the elements and need to rest. This period is called the Anasara period, which literally means "no public appearance". For 15 days, Lord Jagannath and his siblings are kept away from the public eye and are said to undergo treatment like any human being.
During this time:
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The temple doors remain closed for darshan.
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Devotees cannot see the Lord but offer services in faith and devotion.
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The deities are treated with Ayurvedic and herbal medicines by the temple priests.
This period is symbolic and teaches us that even divine beings undergo human-like experiences, making them more relatable and compassionate to their devotees.
When Does Rath Yatra Take Place?
Once the Anasara period ends, on the Dwitiya Tithi of Shukla Paksha in Ashadha, Lord Jagannath is fully "recovered" and comes out with his siblings in full glory for the Rath Yatra. The idols are beautifully decorated and placed on three giant, intricately carved wooden chariots.
The Rath Yatra celebrates the journey of Lord Jagannath to his aunt’s house at Gundicha Temple. It’s a vibrant, colorful, and spiritual festival filled with chants, music, and the joyous pulling of the chariots by lakhs of devotees.
The Spiritual Significance
The Snana Yatra and Anasara period highlight the deeply symbolic and emotional connection between the Lord and his devotees. The idea of the deity falling ill and being nursed back to health reflects the Lord’s closeness to humanity, reminding us that the divine is not distant but shares in our everyday joys and struggles.
The rituals also serve to build anticipation for the grand Rath Yatra, a reminder of divine presence, devotion, and community celebration.
Conclusion:
Jagannath Rath Yatra is not just a religious event; it’s a spiritual journey. The Snana Yatra and the Anasara period preceding it are important parts of this divine cycle. As we await the majestic chariots rolling down the streets of Puri in 2025, the faithful will once again be reminded of the deep-rooted traditions, symbolism, and love that form the essence of this beautiful celebration.
Reference from-https://www.aajtak.in/religion/news/story/jagannath-rath-yatra-2025-why-does-lord-jagannath-fall-ill-on-purnima-exactly-15-days-before-the-rath-yatra-know-mythological-story-behind-it-tvisg-dskc-2260780-2025-06-10