- By Kashish Rai
- Sat, 07 Jun 2025 01:35 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Snan Purnima 2025: Invoking Lord Ganesha's blessings prior to any important ritual is the Hindu belief behind the custom of adorning Lord Jagannath and Balabhadra in Hati Besha in the form of Lord Ganesha following their ceremonial bath. The yearly Rath Yatra begins with this ceremony. The Snana Yatra, which takes place before Hati Besha, involves a ceremonial bath after the deities are led to the Snana Mandap in a colourful "Pahandi" procession. This holy occasion, which is held on the day of Jyeshtha's full moon, highlights the event's spiritual significance and rich cultural legacy. This year, Snan Yatra will take place on 11th June 2025.
In this article, know the significance of the Hati Besha ritual. Additionally, check out an interesting legend that explains why Lord Jagannath is dressed like an elephant along with his siblings.
Snan Purnima 2025: Significance Of Gaja Besha Or Hati Besha
The magnificent Gaja Besha, also called Hati Besha or Gajanana Besha is donned by Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra on Snana Purnima. The gods are depicted in this unusual costume as elephants, with Lord Jagannath and Balabhadra wearing silver and golden elephant heads, respectively. Devi Subhadra, meanwhile, is wearing the stunning Kumari Besha.
At Raghaba Das matha and Gopal Tirtha matha, talented craftspeople and sebakas create the elaborate elephant costumes. These exquisite garments are the result of the skill and generations of knowledge of the Sola or Solapith artisans as well as other traditional craftspeople. The priests' chanting of mantras causes the gods to take the shape of magnificent elephants, displaying the area's rich cultural legacy and artistry.
In Image: The deity idols of Lord Jagannath, Balbhadra and Subhadra dressed in Hati or Gaja Besha. (Image Source: Instagram)
Snan Purnima 2025: Why Lord Jagannath Is Dressed Like An Elephant? Interesting Legend Behind Hati Besha
The origin of Hati Besha can be traced back to the 15th century, when Pandit Ganapati Bhatt, a devout devotee of Lord Ganesha, travelled to Puri in order to see Lord Jagannath. He was disappointed, though, because he was unable to see Lord Jagannath, his beloved deity. He was about to depart when a priest came up to him and urged him to come back to the temple.
As fate would have it, on the day of Snana Purnima, Lord Jagannath himself asked Ganapati Bhatt to return to the temple while posing as a priest. Then the miracle occurred, and Ganapati Bhatt was ecstatic to see Lord Jagannath, who resembled Lord Ganesha, dressed like an elephant.
The deities are believed to get a fever after the holy bath and receive darshan as Hati Besha. After that, they are taken to the Anasara residence for recuperation and therapy. Devotees are not permitted to have darshan during this time, and only important sevakas are permitted to care for the deities.
A Pattachitra of the gods is worshipped in the meantime, and following two weeks of rest, the siblings are completely recovered and prepared for their yearly pilgrimage, the Ratha Yatra. On the occasion of this grand chariot festival, they travel in magnificent chariots from the Shreemandira to the Shree Gundicha Temple, where they were born.
(Disclaimer: This content includes advice providing generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified spiritual or astrological opinion. Always consult a specialist for more information before adopting any measures.)