Snana-yatra is an important pastime of Lord Jagannatha at our temple at Rajapur, Simantadvipa. On this day, Jagannatha, Baladeva, and Subhadra allow Themselves to be bathed by all following the original tradition of worship at Jagannatha Puri. Our devotees as well as hundreds of local people enthusiastically assemble at the Jagannatha temple to perform abhisheka with Ganges water, milk, etc. This bathing goes on for a few hours in the midst of kirtanas glorifying Their Lordships and the chanting of the maha-mantra. Lord Jagannatha’s prasada is also offered to all visitors.
Lord Jagannatha’s pastimes are such that after snana-yatra, Jagannatha, Balarama and Subhadra become “sick”, and, so, must take “medicines” and “take rest” until they become “rejuvenated” enough to go for Ratha-yatra. When they are “sick”, they are offered bhoga containing medicinal herbs without the usual offerings.
Many years ago, there was an English devotee, Gaura Hari Dasa living here. After one Snana-yatra festival, after everyone had left, they closed the temple, but from inside the closed altar Gaura Hari heard what sounded like someone sneezing. “Oh no!” he thought; “I must be imagining this!” Then again it came, loud and clear: “Ahhh-chuuh!!”
Jagannath at Rajapur
So it’s confirmed: Jagannatha does catch cold.
Jagannath Swami Ki Jai
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