Prayagraj: The ‘Mahasnan Yatra’ of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra was performed with rituals at the Lord Jagannath temple at Kydganj on Monday.Following the mangala aarti , the three deities were brought from the ‘Ratna Simhasan’ (gem-studded throne) to the ‘Snan Mandap’ (bathing pavilion). Further, the deities underwent a grand ceremonial bath using holy water from 108 pitchers, along with aromatic substances and medicinal herbs. After the bath, the Lord appeared before the devotees in the ‘Gajanan Vesha’ .It is believed that the Lord falls ill due to this elaborate bathing ritual. Consequently, for the next 15 days—a period known as ‘Anasar’—the Lord will remain in seclusion. During this time, the temple doors will remain closed to the devotees and, devotees will be able to view the Lord through ‘Pattachitra’ (traditional scroll paintings).The temple’s chief priest said that during this period, the Lord will be treated secretly with medicinal decoctions and fruit juices. After 15 days, the temple doors will reopen for ‘Navayauvan Darshan’ , followed by the world-famous ‘Rath Yatra’ (Chariot Procession).
