Snana Purnima (Odisha) 2027

Puja Vidhi

Who Should Perform This Puja?

• Devotees of Lord Jagannath: Families who revere Lord Jagannath observe this day, especially in Odisha, to seek His grace, health, and peace for the household.
• Families Seeking Purification: Devotees who bathe in holy waters and bathe the deity at home pray for the cleansing of body, mind, and sins (Pap Shuddhi).
• Pilgrims and Seekers: Those who cannot travel to Puri observe the day at home with devotion and hope to take part in the festival in spirit.

When Should This Be Performed?

• Holy Bath: Taken early in the morning, during Brahma Muhurta (the pre-dawn hour) or at sunrise, in a river, a sacred water source, or at home with a little Ganga Jal added to the water.
• Puja Muhurat: The deity's bath and puja are done in the morning after sunrise. Check the puja muhurat for your city on this page.
• Evening Prayers: A Ghee Diya is lit and a simple aarti is offered at dusk.

About the Festival

Snana Purnima, also known as Deva Snana Purnima, is a much-loved Odia festival in which Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are ceremonially bathed. It takes place on the Purnima (full moon day) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Jyeshtha.

The Katha (Story of the Bathing of Lord Jagannath)

Long ago, King Indradyumna of Avanti, a devoted worshipper of Lord Vishnu, was blessed to see the Lord appear in the form of Jagannath at Puri. By divine guidance, the sacred wooden idols of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra were made and installed in a grand temple built by the king.

On the full moon day of Jyeshtha, the king wished to bathe the deities with great honour, and he invited people from all around to witness the ceremony. The sacred water was drawn from a well near the temple, and the deities were bathed on a raised platform (Snana Bedi) before the gathered devotees.

Devotees remember that the bathing is done with deep reverence, with many pots of sacred water poured over the three deities, who are also adorned in the special elephant form (Gajanana Besha) that evening. After the great bath, the Lord is believed to fall ill, and He rests away from the public eye for about a fortnight (Anasara) while He is cared for with simple food and herbal remedies.

Pleased with the faith of His devotees, the Lord appears again, restored to health, ahead of the Rath Yatra. Since that day, devotees celebrate Snana Purnima, bathing the deities with devotion and seeking His blessings for health and a pure heart.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the morning puja:

• Image / Idol: Picture or idol of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra
• Tilak & Sacred Powder: Chandan (sandalwood paste), Roli, and Akshat (unbroken rice grains)
• Lamps & Lights: A brass or clay Diya with Ghee and cotton wick, and Incense sticks
• Bathing Water: A Kalash or clean vessel of fresh water mixed with Ganga Jal, with a few Tulsi leaves and flowers
• Food Offerings (Naivedya): Panchamrit, fruits, coconut, and sweets such as Khechudi or Kheer
• Devotional Accessories: Fresh flowers, Tulsi leaves, a clean soft cloth, and new clothes for the deity

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Sankalp

1. Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta, bathe (preferably in a river or with Ganga Jal added to your water), and wear clean, auspicious clothes (preferably white or yellow).
2. Take a small amount of water in your right palm and take a Sankalp (solemn vow): "O Lord Jagannath, today I bathe You with devotion on this Snana Purnima. Cleanse my heart and bless my family with health and peace."
3. Keep the day simple and sattvic, and observe a fast or take only fruits and water if you wish (families differ in how strictly it is kept).

Step 2: Preparing the Puja Altar (Morning)

1. Clean the northeastern corner (Ishan Kone) or the place of worship in your home.
2. Place the pictures or idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra on a Chowki covered with a clean cloth.
3. Keep the bathing water, Panchamrit, flowers, and the offerings ready within reach.

Step 3: Performing the Snana (Sacred Bath)

1. Lighting the Lamp: Light a Ghee Diya and incense before the deities.
2. Sacred Bath: Gently pour the bathing water over the idols, or sprinkle it on the pictures, while chanting the names of Lord Jagannath.
3. Applying Tilak: Dry the idols with a clean soft cloth and apply Chandan, Roli, and Akshat.
4. Offering Flowers & Tulsi: Dress the deities in fresh clothes and offer flowers and Tulsi leaves.

Step 4: Offering Naivedya and Reading the Katha

1. Place the Naivedya of Panchamrit, fruits, and sweets before the deities.
2. Sit respectfully in front of the altar and recite or listen to the story of Snana Purnima with deep focus and devotion.
3. After completing the story, sprinkle a few grains of rice near the feet of the deities.

Step 5: Aarti and Prayers (Evening)

1. Light a Ghee Diya at dusk and perform the Jagannath Aarti while singing devotional hymns.
2. Chant "Jai Jagannath" and the Jagannath Ashtakam with a calm mind.
3. Bow before the deities and pray for the health and happiness of your family.

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Sharing Prasad

1. Touch the feet of the elders in your family to seek their blessings (Charan Sparsh).
2. Distribute the Prasad among your family members, neighbours, and anyone who visits.
3. Close the day by partaking in the Prasad and a simple sattvic meal.