Hooghly, 11 June (H.S.)

Lord Jagannath's Snan Yatra was celebrated in Mahesh area of Serampore on Wednesday in presence of thousands of devotees on Wednesday. In the morning, the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balram and Subhadra were taken out of the sanctum sanctorum of the temple and placed in the veranda of the temple. Mangala Aarti and worship were performed. At around seven in the morning, the three idols were brought to the bathing platform adjacent to the temple. First of all, Narayan Shila was taken to the bathing platform. Then the idols of Balram, Subhadra and finally Jagannath Dev were taken.

Mahesh Jagannath Temple's chief sevayat Somen Adhikari said that this day is called the appearance day of Lord Jagannath Dev. During this time, Lord Jagannath, Balram and Subhadra are decorated in different costumes. This year Maha Abhishek started at 10:47 am. Mahaprabhu was anointed by 108 Brahmins with water from various pilgrimage sites, which includes Panchagavya, Panchamrit, various oils, gems, flowers, metals and 12 soils. Mahayog's complete bath took place at 12:10 pm. Here the Lord was bathed with 28 pots of Ganga water and one and 60 liters of milk. After the puja, they were kept in the temple.

It is believed that Lord Jagannath falls ill after the bathing journey, due to which he remains in seclusion for 15 days. During this period, the Lord is treated with various herbs. Devotees are unable to see the Lord during this time. After that, the Maharath Yatra dedicated to Lord Jagannath, his sister Devi Subhadra and brother Balabhadra is taken out. This year the Rath Yatra will start on 27 June 2025 and will conclude on 05 July. This grand festival is celebrated with great pomp every year on the second day of Shukla Paksha of Ashadh month.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey