Puri: The Daitapati sevayats began the snana niti (bathing rituals) of Lord Jagannath and his siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, at Snana Mandap (bathing altar) on the temple premises here on Thursday.
As per tradition, the sevayats bathed the deities with 108 pots of aromatic water. However, this year Puri Gajapati Maharaj Dibyasingha Deb didn’t conduct Chhera Panhara (ceremonial sweeping of the bathing altar after the bathing of the deities) in view of the COVID pandemic situation.
His message:
A minor boy belonging to the Pushpalaka sevayat family was selected as the Mudirastha (representative of the king) to conduct Chhera Panhara. The same boy had also conducted the ritual during Snana Yatra last year.
After the Chhera Panhara ritual, the Lords will be attired in Hati Besha (elephant attire) at 11 am.
Also Read: The Story Behind Lord Jagannath Adorning ‘Hati Besha’
Earlier the Dhadi Pahandi (line procession) of the Lords from Ratna Simhasan to the Snana Mandap began at 1 am and ended at 4 am after Mangalarpana, Doralagi and Pushpanjali rituals.
The other rituals performed at the Snana Mandap included Mangala Alati, Mailam, Tadapalagi, Adhara Pochha, Abakasha, Rosha Homa, Surjya Puja, Besha Sesha and Dwarapala Puja.
Also Read: Snana Purnima: All You Need To Know About Divine Bath & Hathi Besha Of Jagannath & Siblings
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