Sibling deities fall ill after ritual bath

PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

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After the 'Sahan Mela' or public darshan, the sibling deities were taken back to the sanctum sanctorum of the 12th-century shrine and placed in the 'Anasara Ghar' (isolation room), where they will remain for 14 days due to illness following the ceremonial bath.

During this period, the temple 'Baidya' (physician) will treat the deities with herbal medicines. Public darshan will remain suspended until June 26, a day before the annual Rath Yatra June 27.

The festival, 'Deva Snana Purnima' held Wednesday, is observed on the full moon day of the month of 'Jyestha'. It marks the first occasion in the year when the wooden idols are taken out of the sanctum sanctorum in a grand procession and placed on the 'Snana Mandap' for the ceremonial bath. The day is also celebrated as the birthday of Lord Jagannath.