June 22nd 2024.
The Rath Yatra, a world-famous festival, is not only celebrated in Odisha but also in various parts of the country. This sacred event is highlighted by the Debasnana Purnima, also known as Snana Purnima, where the deities are given a holy bath followed by the magnificent Hati Besha. This ritual involves adorning the deities with elephant attire, symbolizing their majestic appearance as elephants. But have you ever wondered about the story behind this grand attire of the holy trinity? In this article, we will explore the legend and rituals surrounding this auspicious occasion.
The Hati Besha is performed on the full moon day of the Jyestha month, also known as Snana Purnima. On this day, the deities are brought in a grand procession to the Snana Bedi, a bathing platform located in Ananda Bazar. The ritual involves the use of scented water, which is meticulously prepared by devoted servitors since the previous night. After the bathing ceremony, the servitors proceed to the mutts to acquire materials for the idols' adornment from Gopal Tirtha Mutt and Raghab Das Mutt. Once the besha is completed, offerings are made to the deities, giving devotees the opportunity to seek their blessings.
Legend has it that the Hati Besha tradition was started by Ganapati Bhatta, a spiritual seeker from Karnataka. Being a devout follower of Lord Ganesha, he was disappointed upon seeing Lord Jagannath without his iconic elephant head. Unfulfilled, he left the temple premises. However, Lord Jagannath, in the form of a Brahmin, met Bhatta and provided him with a divine plan to address his devotion. The Brahmin assured Bhatta that he would witness something extraordinary if he revisits the temple in the evening.
True to the Brahmin's words, Bhatta was surprised to see Lord Jagannath in the form of Hati Besha, resembling his beloved Lord Ganesha. Overjoyed, he bowed to the deity with immense gratitude and came to understand the ultimate truth - that Lord Jagannath is the Supreme Lord himself, and everything in the world comes from him. With this newfound understanding, he saw how all beings are related to each other and to the Supreme Lord.
Following the holy bath on Jyestha Purnima, the deities take up Gajanana Besha every year. However, after the bath, they suffer from fever and are taken to the anabasar house for treatment. During this time, devotees are not allowed to have darshan of the deities, and only designated servitors attend to their recovery. Once they are fully recovered, the deities embark on their annual journey, the Ratha Jatra, in a grand procession from the Shreemandira to their birthplace, the Shree Gundicha Temple.
In conclusion, the Hati Besha is not only a grand attire for the deities, but it also holds a significant spiritual significance for devotees. It is a reminder of the ultimate truth and the divine grace of Lord Jagannath, who is the Supreme Lord of all.
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