Three main important gods in the Jagannath Temple are not available for darshan for a period of fifteen days. This is due to sickness after 108 pots of water are poured on them after the Snana Purnima ritual. The temple is never actually closed only the main murtis are not available for darshan during period.
Due To Sickness When The Jagannath Temple Is Closed In This Year 2024
The temple will be closed from June 22, 2024 to July 5, 2024.
The catching of sickness is known as Anasara and it happens after the ritual bathing (Snana Purnima) of the deities worshipped in the Puri Jagannath Temple.
For the next fifteen days, devotees are not allowed the darshan of the idols. It is believed that the deities catch fever after a long ritual bathing and therefore does not return to sanctum sanctorum for the next fifteen days.
During this period, the Sabara daitas (specially appointed people) repaint the murtis or idols of Jagannath, Subhadra and Balabhadra.
During Anasara period three Patta paintings of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are worshiped in the temple.