Puri, June 11: The sacred Snana Yatra, marking one of the most revered rituals in the Jagannath Temple calendar, commenced today amid much religious fervour and devotion.
The ceremonial ‘Pahandi’ rituals began at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri in the early hours of the day.
As the air filled with the spiritual sounds of conches, gongs, and the rhythmic beating of cymbals, the holy Trinity Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra were brought out of the sanctum sanctorum in a grand procession and taken to the Snana Bedi for their ritualistic bath.
The proceedings began as per the traditional schedule with the Pahandi of Lord Sudarshan, the celestial weapon of Lord Vishnu, who was the first to be escorted to the Snana Mandap. Following him, Lord Balabhadra made his way out in a similar ceremonial style, followed by Devi Subhadra and finally, the presiding deity, Lord Jagannath.
Watch Snana Yatra Live From Puri
The entire procession was steeped in devotion, with servitors performing their age-old duties and thousands of devotees witnessing the divine journey of the deities as they moved in rhythmic swaying motion accompanied by chants and music.
The Snana Yatra, observed on the full moon day of Jyeshtha, is a major event leading up to the world-famous Rath Yatra. The deities will now undergo the traditional bathing ritual with 108 pots of sacred water, symbolising purification and divine grace.
Elaborate arrangements have been made by the temple administration and local authorities to ensure the smooth conduct of the rituals and the safety of the devotees.Puri, June 11: The sacred Snana Yatra, marking one of the most revered rituals in the Jagannath Temple calendar, commenced today amid much religious fervour and devotion.
