From Lord Jagannath appeasing Goddess Lakshmi with rasgullas to Chandan Yatra, the Rath Yatra is steeped in heartwarming rituals and traditions that celebrate faith and devotion. Among these, one of the most endearing is the ceremonial health check-up of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra before the annual procession begins. It is believed that the deities are examined to ensure they are well enough to undertake the journey to their aunt’s home. Here’s everything you need to know about this unique tradition.
When The Lord Falls Sick & Observes Anasara
Let’s start by understanding why the deities undergo a health check-up in the first place!
Before the Rath Yatra begins, it is believed that Lord Jagannath falls ill for 15 days and remains in isolation. This period happens after Snan Purnima, when Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra are ceremonially bathed with 108 kalash (pots) of sacred water. According to tradition, this elaborate ritual causes the deities to fall ill.
The illness marks the beginning of Anasara, a 15-day period of quarantine or seclusion. During this time, the deities are believed to rest and recover, and devotees are not allowed to have their darshan. They are also symbolically treated with herbal medicines, while medicinal decoctions and light herbal preparations are offered as bhog, signifying healing and recovery before the grand Rath Yatra begins.
Also Read: Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026: From Sand Sculptures To Performances, What’s Happening In Puri?
Lord Jagannath Gets Health Check-Ups
As part of this very tradition, a team of doctors performs a symbolic health check-up of Lord Jagannath at the Rasmandal Temple in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, before the Rath Yatra. Every year, ahead of the procession, the doctors ceremonially examine the deity using stethoscopes to symbolically ensure that Lord Jagannath has fully recovered from the period of Anasara.
According to India Today, following the ceremonial check-up, Lord Jagannath is traditionally offered parwal juice as bhog. This is followed by a royal-style khichdi offering, after which the Rath Yatra procession winds through the streets of Jaunpur, with thousands of devotees taking part in the annual celebration.
Also Read: From Sacred Wood Hunt To Niladri Bije, 5 Fascinating Traditions Around Puri’s Rath Yatra
This cute tradition has been observed ahead of the Rath Yatra in Jaunpur for years now, and we think it’s adorable!
Cover Image Courtesy: X/@raviparmarIN
FAQs
Why does Lord Jagannath undergo a health check-up before Rath Yatra?
According to tradition, Lord Jagannath falls ill after the ceremonial bath on Snan Purnima and observes a 15-day period of Anasara. The symbolic health check-up marks the deity's recovery before the Rath Yatra begins.
Where is the symbolic health check-up performed?
The symbolic medical examination is conducted at the Rasmandal Temple in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, before the annual Rath Yatra procession.
Why do the deities fall ill after Snan Purnima?
It is believed that the elaborate ritual bath with 108 kalash (pots) of sacred water causes Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra to fall ill, leading to the observance of Anasara.