We take a bath daily both for extrinsic and intrinsic sanctity, so will Bhagwan too. Everything necessitated for us whatsoever must be dedicated to him before we utilise. This is such a unwavering principle that elevates us to the pinnacle of devotion. The scriptures are unanimous on the axiom that Bhagwan is hungry for emotion wherein lies the last hope of the inherent epitome of humanity.
Bhagwan is formless and inexpressive still we personify him. What the essence of aesthetic sense is concealed which invites an unbiased introspection.
This is why we implement all our routine chores for Bhagwan.
As for “snan ( स्नान) ,it is a Sanskrit word which lacks a befitting substitute in English lexicon as it has a comprehensive ambit , not parochial one. As such, our scholarly sages have constituted “ स्नानं ध्यानं जपश्चैव
( Snanam , dhyanam Japashchaiv)
This is expedient for us to perform six duties in which “bathing” is the primary one. Thus, it has , no doubt, a spiritual significance.
The quartite form ( Jagnnath, Balbhadra, Subhadra and Sudarshan Chakra) are enshrined on the “ Bathing pavilion situated in the north east of the temple ( Shri Mandir). Water is procured from the “ Suvarn Koop ( golden well) located in the north of the temple in 108 earthen pots with which Bhagwan is made to bath with affability. A grand function is organised on this auspicious occasion.
As the bathing ceremony is over, Bhagwan possess “ गज वेश ” ( Gaj Vesh) in which Bhagwan is adorned with the attire so as to resemble an elephant. Thereafter, his scheduled formalities perennially persist until he is coronated back in his temple.
Narayan is a composite terminology composed of two words :- Nar and Ayan . Narayan resides in water. “Aapo Nara eti prokta” “ आपो नारा इति प्रोक्ता” . Water is the nature gifted nectar which elevates us to the highest hierarchy of ecstasy. वेदो साक्षात् नारायण: यत्र साक्षात् नारायण: दारुरूपे प्रकाशते The intent is crystal clear that leaves no space of obscureness . “Ved” is Narayan who is ultimately दारुबहा जगन्नाथ viz the absolute deified in the wooden idol. Whereas water is the favourite accomodation of Bhagwan. Hence, why will Bhagwan not bathe with water, that too with a fantastic festival. Life is a festival in itself which relies fully on someone ‘s style of visualising. It should shun pressimism altogether which most are prone to and at the same time we must have the will power to tread with the rhythm of the cosmos.
Shri Jagannath Temple, Hauz Khas New Delhi duly observes the bathing function of Bhagwan under the aegis of SNSS , Secretary,
Ravindra Nath Pradhan
