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Snana Purnima 2025, also known as Deva Snana Purnima or Snana Yatra, is a cherished festival celebrated with immense devotion at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha. Held on the full moon day of the Jyeshtha month, this sacred bathing ceremony of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Sudarshana Chakra attracts thousands of devotees. It is also regarded as Lord Jagannath’s birthday.
Snana Purnima 2025: Date and Timing
Snana Purnima 2025 falls on June 11, 2025, during the Jyeshtha full moon. The Purnima tithi starts at 2:06 AM and ends at 3:43 AM, per Prokerala.com. Rituals begin with Mangalarpana at 4:30 AM, followed by the Pahandi from 5:00 AM to 7:00 AM, and Jalabhisheka from 12:20 PM to 1:45 PM. The Hathi Vesha is at 4:30 PM, with Sahana Mela darshan from 7:30 PM.
How Can Devotees Celebrate Snana Purnima 2025?
In Puri, Snana Purnima 2025 is marked by grand rituals at the Jagannath Temple, but devotees across Odisha can participate locally. Visit temples in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, or ISKCON centers, where deities are bathed with panchamrita and water, mirroring Puri’s traditions. At home, devotees can offer water or milk to idols, chant mantras like “Nilachala Nivasaya,” and observe a fast.
To ensure the smooth execution of Snana Purnima and Rath Yatra 2025, the Odisha government has established a ministerial panel, led by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA). Announced in June 2025, the panel includes District Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain and SP Vinit Agrawal, focusing on ritual discipline, crowd management, and safety. For Snana Purnima on June 11, 70 police platoons and 450 officers will be deployed in Puri to regulate darshan and traffic, ensuring a safe experience for Odisha’s devotees.
What Are the Key Rituals of Snana Yatra?
The Snana Yatra begins with the Pahandi procession, where Daitapati servitors escort the deities to the Snana Bedi, an elevated platform. The deities, adorned with Senapatta (Baula wood armor), are bathed with 108 pots of water from the Suna Kua, purified with turmeric and herbs in the Jalabhisheka ritual. Post-bath, they wear Sada Besha, followed by the Hathi Vesha, where Lord Jagannath and Balabhadra resemble elephants, honoring a devotee’s wish for Lord Ganesha’s form. The day concludes with Chhera Pahanra by the Puri Gajapati.
What Is the Hathi Vesha Tradition?
The Hathi Vesha, a unique tradition, sees the deities dressed as elephants after the bath, rooted in a legend where Lord Jagannath fulfilled a devotee’s prayer. This ritual captivates Odisha’s pilgrims, enhancing the festival’s cultural richness. The deities then enter the 15-day Anasara period, retreating to the Anasara House for recovery before the Rath Yatra.
Rs 2.25 Crore Incentive for Daitapatis to Ensure Seamless Jagannath Rath Yatra
The Odisha government has approved a Rs 2.25 crore incentive for Daitapati servitors to ensure the flawless conduct of Snana Purnima and Rath Yatra 2025. Funded by the SJTA and reimbursed through special grants, this reward, announced on June 6, 2025, recognizes the Daitapatis’ vital role in rituals like the Pahandi and Jalabhisheka. This initiative supports the 150 Daitapatis who serve Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra, and Sudarshana.
Snana Purnima holds deep spiritual significance for Odisha’s Vaishnava community. The Skanda Purana notes that King Indradyumna initiated this ritual during the deities’ installation, marking Lord Jagannath’s birthday. Devotees believe that darshan on this day cleanses sins and offers spiritual liberation.
