Deba Snana Purnima 2024 Date, Tithi Time, Significance
Posted on June 12, 2024
Deba Snana Purnima is a significant Hindu festival celebrated primarily in Puri, Odisha. This festival marks the ceremonial bathing of the deities Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra, along with Sudarshana, at the Jagannath Temple. It takes place on the full moon day of the Jyeshtha month in the Hindu calendar, usually falling in June.
Deba Snana Purnima 2024 Date: June 22, Saturday.
Tithi Time: June 21, 07:32 AM – June 22, 06:37 AM.
During this event, the idols of the deities are brought out from the sanctum sanctorum to the Snana Bedi, a special bathing platform. Here, they are bathed with 108 pots of ritually purified water drawn from the golden well called ‘Suna Kua.’ This elaborate ritual is performed with great devotion and amidst chanting of Vedic hymns, kirtans, and blowing of conch shells.
After the bath, the deities are dressed in elephant attire, known as ‘Hati Besha’ or ‘Gajanana Besha,’ signifying the incarnation of Lord Ganesha. This special adornment attracts thousands of devotees who gather to witness the divine spectacle and seek blessings.
Post the Snana Yatra, the deities are believed to fall ill and are kept away from public view for a fortnight in a period known as ‘Anavasara.’ During this time, special rituals are performed, and the deities are treated with traditional Ayurvedic methods. After recovering, the deities reappear on the day of ‘Netrotsava’ or ‘Nava Yauvana Darshana,’ marking their rejuvenation and readiness for the grand Ratha Yatra, or Chariot Festival.
Deba Snana Purnima holds immense religious significance as it precedes the world-famous Ratha Yatra. It symbolizes purification and renewal, attracting devotees from all over who come to partake in the holy rituals and seek spiritual rejuvenation.