To commemorate the appearance day of Lord Jagannath. a special bathing festivle of Lord Jagannath, Baladeva and Suvadra devi takes place on the Purnima of Jyaishtha month (Devasnan Purnima).
According to Skanda Purana, when Raja Indradyumna installed the original deities, he arrangedfor this bathing ceremony of Lord Jagannath, Baladeva and Suvadra Devi. This day considered to be the auspicious birth-day of Lord Jagannath.
On this day Lord Jagannatha allows His devotees bathe Him, following the tradition in Jagannath Puri, Orissa, India. Devotees all over the world enthusiastically assemble at the temple to perform abhisheka with Ganges water, milk, etc. This bathing goes on for several hours, along with kirtana glorifying Their Lordships and the chanting of the Hare Krishna Maha-Mantra. Lord Jagannath’s prasada is also distributed to all devotees and visitors.
After the bathing ceremony (snana-yatra), Lord Jagannatha apparently becomes unwell. During this period known as Anavasara Their Lordships cannot be seen, on the altar, by devotees. The deities are removed to Their private apartment.. When They are “unwell”, They are offered bhoga containing medicinal herbs for fifteen days. It is said that by accepting the Ayurvedic medication (Pnachan) the Deities recover. Thus for fifteen days after the bathing ceremony, Lord Jagannath, Baladeva and Subdra Devi is not visible to any visitors. They recuperate until They become “rejuvenated” enough to go for Ratha-yatra.
In reality, Lord Jagannath is independed. He performs such kind of super natural pastimes so that His devotees get special opportunities to offer devotional service toward Lord Jagannath and increase their love and devotion for Him.
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