Summary
The divine air of Puri, Odisha, is once again filled with devotion and grandeur as the annual Snana Purnima festival marks the ceremonial beginning of the Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025. Observed this year on June 11, Snana Purnima, also known as Snana Yatra, is one of the most sacred and visually spectacular rituals in the Jagannath Temple calendar.
What is Snana Purnima?
Snana Purnima is the only day of the year when the sacred triad — Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra — are brought out in full public view on the Snana Mandap (bathing platform) for a grand ceremonial bath. According to temple tradition, 108 pots of sacred water drawn from the temple’s Golden Well are used in this elaborate purification ritual.
This sacred bath symbolizes the cooling down of the deities during the peak of summer and marks the formal commencement of the Rath Yatra festivities.
Post-Bathing Rituals: The Deities Enter Rest
Following the ritualistic bathing, the deities are dressed in Gaja Besha (elephant attire) and are then moved into seclusion — a special chamber called Anavasara Ghara. This marks the start of the Anavasara period (June 13–26), during which the deities are believed to fall ill due to the extensive bath and are kept away from public view.
Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: Full Schedule
This year, the Rath Yatra — one of the world’s largest spiritual processions — will be observed from June 27 to July 5, 2025, drawing lakhs of pilgrims and tourists to the temple town of Puri.
Here’s a complete breakdown of the key events:
| Event | Date | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Snana Purnima | June 11, 2025 | Bathing of the deities with 108 pots of water; public viewing on Snana Mandap. |
| Anavasara (Rest Period) | June 13–26, 2025 | Deities recuperate out of public view in Anavasara Ghara. |
| Gundicha Marjana | June 26, 2025 | Cleaning of the Gundicha Temple, the deities’ destination. |
| Rath Yatra | June 27, 2025 | Grand procession of chariots to the Gundicha Temple. |
| Hera Panchami | July 1, 2025 | Symbolic visit of Goddess Lakshmi to Gundicha Temple. |
| Bahuda Yatra | July 4, 2025 | Return journey of the deities to Jagannath Temple. |
| Suna Besha | July 5, 2025 | Deities adorned in golden attire atop their chariots. |
| Niladri Bijay | July 5, 2025 | Final return of the deities to the sanctum of the main temple. |
The Chariots: Sacred Vehicles of the Divine
During Rath Yatra, each deity rides a uniquely designed wooden chariot along the Grand Road (Bada Danda) toward the Gundicha Temple, which is believed to be their maternal aunt’s home.
- Lord Jagannath’s Chariot – Nandighosa: 18 wheels, 45 feet high
- Lord Balabhadra’s Chariot – Taladhwaja: 16 wheels
- Goddess Subhadra’s Chariot – Darpadalana: 14 wheels
These chariots are built anew each year by traditional craftsmen using sacred wood, in keeping with ancient temple traditions.
Spiritual Significance & Global Appeal
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is more than a religious event—it’s a powerful spiritual and cultural phenomenon that transcends geography and beliefs. Devotees from all over India and the world gather in Puri, seeking a glimpse of the divine and the opportunity to pull the chariots, which is considered highly auspicious.
With heightened security and grand arrangements, the temple town transforms into a spiritual haven, uniting people in devotion, joy, and celebration.
Final Thoughts
Snana Purnima and the Jagannath Rath Yatra are profound expressions of faith, ritual precision, and cultural richness. Whether you are attending in person or participating in spirit, these festivals offer a deep connection to tradition, devotion, and the divine presence of the Lord of the Universe — Jagannath.
“Rath Yatra is not just a journey of deities on chariots, but a journey of the soul towards spiritual awakening.”
Note: All information and images used in this content are sourced from Google. They are used here for informational and illustrative purposes only.
FAQs on Snana Purnima and Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025
1. What is Snana Purnima and why is it important?
Snana Purnima, also known as Snana Yatra, is a sacred festival observed at the Jagannath Temple in Puri. It is the only day when Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra are brought out on the Snana Mandap for a grand ceremonial bath with 108 pots of holy water, marking the beginning of Rath Yatra celebrations.
2. When will Snana Purnima be celebrated in 2025?
Snana Purnima will be celebrated on June 11, 2025, signaling the ceremonial start of the Jagannath Rath Yatra festivities.
3. What happens after the bathing ritual on Snana Purnima?
After the grand bathing, the deities are dressed in Gaja Besha (elephant attire) and enter a rest period called Anavasara from June 13 to June 26, during which they are kept out of public view for spiritual recuperation.
4. What is the full schedule for Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025?
The key dates for Rath Yatra 2025 are:
- Snana Purnima: June 11
- Anavasara (Rest Period): June 13–26
- Gundicha Marjana: June 26
- Rath Yatra: June 27
- Hera Panchami: July 1
- Bahuda Yatra: July 4
- Suna Besha & Niladri Bijay: July 5
5. What is the significance of the Rath Yatra chariots?
Each deity rides a specially crafted wooden chariot:
- Nandighosa for Lord Jagannath with 18 wheels, 45 feet high
- Taladhwaja for Lord Balabhadra with 16 wheels
- Darpadalana for Goddess Subhadra with 14 wheels
These chariots are rebuilt annually by traditional artisans using sacred wood.
6. Why is the Rath Yatra spiritually significant?
Pulling the chariots during Rath Yatra is considered an act of devotion and spiritual merit. It symbolizes the journey of the soul towards liberation and divine union.
7. How many people attend Jagannath Rath Yatra every year?
Lakhs of devotees from across India and the world visit Puri annually to witness the grandeur of Rath Yatra, making it one of the largest religious gatherings globally.
8. What is the global appeal of Jagannath Rath Yatra?
The Rath Yatra is celebrated in cities like London, New York, and Sydney, allowing devotees worldwide to connect with Jagannath culture and spirituality beyond India.
9. What is Suna Besha and when will it be observed in 2025?
Suna Besha or the “Golden Attire” ritual, where the deities are adorned in gold ornaments, will be celebrated on July 5, 2025, atop their chariots in Puri.
10. Why is the Rath Yatra called the journey of the soul?
The festival symbolizes the divine journey of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra from their temple to Gundicha Temple, reflecting the human soul’s spiritual journey toward enlightenment and divine grace.