Last week, we celebrated a very special day – a holy festival that wasn’t loud, grand, or elaborate. And yet, it touched our hearts so deeply that we’ll remember it for a long time: Snāna Yātrā, the ceremonial bathing of Śrī Jagannātha, Lord of the Universe.
When most people think of temple festivals, they imagine large halls and lengthy rituals. But this evening was different: nearly 30 devotees gathered in the small attic apartment of our temple president Govinda-Dev Dās and his wife Amrita Gopī Devī Dāsī – a humble space with two rooms and a small kitchen, but filled with a big, open heart.
A Bath for the Lord – But Why?
According to the Vedic tradition, Snāna Yātrā is the day when Jagannātha, Baladeva, and Subhadrā – the sacred deities from Purī, India – are lovingly bathed in water infused with herbs, flowers, and sacred substances.
This ritual reminds us that the Lord, although eternal and transcendental, takes part in our human experience in a very personal way – allowing Himself to be cared for and served like a beloved family member. After the bathing ceremony, the deities enter a symbolic time of rest: it is said they “become ill” and withdraw – only to return refreshed and radiant for the grand celebration of Ratha Yātrā.
The highlight of our evening was the first-ever abhiṣeka (ritual bath) of a very unique Jagannātha deity. This hand-carved wooden form was made from the same sacred neem wood used in the legendary Naba-Kalevara ritual in Jagannātha Purī – a mysterious and deeply sacred event during which Lord Jagannātha changes His physical form only once every 19 years.
This small deity was given to Govinda-Dev Prabhu by a Pandit from Purī, whose family has been part of this ritual for generations. For the first time, this little Jagannātha received His ceremonial bath – surrounded by flowers, sacred mantras, and the loving hands of devotees.
The kīrtana filled the room with devotion and joyful energy. We sat close together – adults and children, shoulder to shoulder – but no one felt cramped. The bhakti created a space much greater than the walls around us.
Prasādam for Heart and Senses
After the ceremony, we were treated to a lovingly prepared feast: Fresh rhubarb cake from our garden, Summer rolls with two types of Asian dipping sauces, a strawberry-banana milkshake that tasted like summer in a glass –
and of course, the caranamṛta, made with herbs and flowers from Lord Narasiṁhadeva’s garden.
Bhakti Often Begins Quietly – But It Reaches Deep
Evenings like this remind us what spiritual life is really about: connection, trust, warmth, and serving together.
You don’t need much – just a heart that’s ready to give. This is what spiritual family feels like.
Would You Like to Experience Moments Like This?
Then join us for Ratha Yātrā – the joyful festival where Jagannātha, Baladeva, and Subhadrā are drawn through the streets on grand chariots, accompanied by music, dancing, and chanting:
📍 Berlin – June 21
📍 Vienna – July 5
📍 Munich – July 29
📍 Simhachalam – as part of our Children’s Camp, August 1–5 (a small, sweet Ratha Yātrā for kids and families)
Or just stop by – for an Open Sunday, a Saturday night kīrtana with yajña, or one of our many festivals throughout the year.
We’d love to welcome you!
