‘Maha Snana’ Of Deities Performed After Blood Stain Found In Puri Jagannath Temple

Puri: The rituals of the deities of Jagannath temple in Odisha’s Puri on the occasion of Snana Purnima were delayed as Maha Snana (grand purification) was performed after blood stains were found on Snana Mandap on Sunday.

According to sources, some servitors and JTP personnel deployed for security spotted the blood stain on Snana Mandap on the temple premises after the ritual of Deva Snana, the ceremonial bathing of the deities, was completed.

It is suspected that a servitor might have got injured while coming to the Mandap carrying holy water for bathing of the deities. As per tradition, the rituals following Deva Snana have been held up and Maha Snana is performed.

During the Maha Snana, the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra are not bathed. Rather, the ritual is performed by pouring water on the mirrors placed in front of the idols amid chanting of mantras.

Due to Maha Snana, the rituals of Mekap Sarbanga Besa and Hati Besa will be performed. The Hati Besa of the sibling deities, which was scheduled to be held at 2.40 pm, has been delayed.

Thousands of devotees from across the state and outside have gathered on the Bada Danda (Grand Road) in the Pilgrim Town to witness Snana Yatra and Hati Besha of the deities.

On the day, a devotee from Rajasthan died while witnessing the Snana Yatra and a foreigner entered the temple and went up to Baisi Pahacha. The entry into temple is forbidden for non-Hindus.

It may be noted that Maha Snana rituals were held in the 12th century shrine after blood stains were spotted on the premises on April 18, 2021.