Archive · 8 Jun 2025
Snan Purnima: Lord Jagannath's Elephant Costume Explained
On June 11, people will celebrate Snan Purnima, where Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra are bathed.
Afterward, Lord Jagannath is dressed like an elephant.
This custom, called Hati Besha, is done because of a belief that the cold water bath can make the deities sick and the elephant-like costume is to protect them, representing wisdom and protection.
One story explains it by referencing a devotee of Lord Ganesha.
It also signifies Lord Jagannath's compassionate nature.
Snan Purnima is celebrated on the full moon day of Jyeshtha month.
Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra are bathed with 108 pitchers of water.
Lord Jagannath is dressed in an elephant-like costume after the bathing ritual.
The elephant-like costume is known as Hati Besha.
The costume symbolizes protection, wisdom and compassion.
- Who
- Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra, devotees
- What
- Snan Purnima, a bathing ritual of deities.
- When
- June 11, 2025
- Where
- Puri
- Why
- To honor deities, symbolize wisdom, and protect from illness.
- Date
- June 11, 2025
- Festival Name
- Snan Purnima
- Deities Involved
- Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra
- Ritual
- Bathing with 108 pitchers of water
- Costume
- Hati Besha (Elephant-like)
- Significance
- Represents wisdom, protection, and compassion
