The religious traditions of India are unique and mysterious in itself. The temple of Lord Jagannath located in Puri, Odisha is also known for some such amazing traditions. A special event is held here on the day of bathing full moon, which will be amazed at the first time. On this day, Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra have a state bath, and then God falls ill. Yes, God himself falls ill and then does not give darshan to the devotees for 15 days. This is called ‘Anasar Kaal’. Let’s know the deep religious, spiritual and cultural significance of this tradition.
What is bathing full moon?
According to the Hindu calendar, a special bathing journey of Lord Jagannath is taken out on the full moon date of Jyeshtha month, which is called ‘Snan Purnima’. On this day, God is bathed with 108 urns. This bath takes place in a very special method in which Ganga water, sandalwood, flowers and medicines are used. It is believed that Lord Jagannath was born on this day, hence it is also celebrated as a ‘birth bath’.
Why does Lord Jagannath fall ill?
After a heavy bath and water, God gets ‘bath fever’. In the scriptures and folk tradition, it is symbolically shown that God is also body like us and also affects seasonal changes with them. After bathing, Lord Jagannath ji gets cold and he becomes unwell. After this, God is taken to ‘Anasar Griha’, which is a special room of the temple. There he is served by a Vaidya (Raj Vaidya) and is given special herbs and medicinal decoctions.
Darshan is not done for 15 days: Devotees wait
Due to the illness of God, devotees do not have darshan for 15 days. This time is called ‘Ansar Kaal’. During this time, sandalwood, basil, medicines and resting food items are offered to God. The order of adornment and worship of God goes inside, but the sanctum sanctorum remains closed. Devotees from outside the temple from outside the temple, the watershed service and remembrance of them. This is the time for the test of faith of devotees.
After this comes the holy festival of Rath Yatra
When God is healthy after these 15 days of ‘Donor period’, a grand Rath Yatra is organized in Puri. In this Rath Yatra, Lord Jagannath along with his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra rode on different chariots and departs towards his aunt’s house (Gundicha temple). This journey takes place on Ashadh Shukla Dwitiya, and millions of devotees from India and abroad reach Puri to see it.
Religious and spiritual importance
God falls ill and then getting healthy and going on a journey – This entire tradition teaches devotees that God is also associated with every sense of our life. They are not only revered, but are in front of us in a living and affectionate form that feels like us, our suffering and pain. In addition, this tradition teaches us that patience and waiting are also an important form of devotion. When God himself does not meet for 15 days, then the reverence of the devotees is even more deep.
