Why Do Doctors 'Examine' Lord Jagannath Before Rath Yatra? Viral Video Sparks Curiosity

Jaunpur:  A video has emerged from Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, that has captured social media's attention. In the video, a team of doctors is seen performing a health checkup on the idol of Lord Jagannath with a stethoscope. While this scene may seem surprising at first glance, it is rooted in a centuries-old religious tradition.

What is there in the video?

This viral video is reportedly from Jaunpur's famous Rasmandal Temple. Every year, a special ritual is performed here before Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra. As part of this tradition, a team of doctors performs a symbolic health checkup of the deity. This year, the ritual was performed on Tuesday, and the video went viral on social media.

In the viral video, the doctor approaches the idol of the deity with great reverence and conducts an examination using a stethoscope. After this, a special puja is performed in the temple.

Why does the Lord Jagannath fall 'sick' after Snan Purnima?

According to a belief associated with Lord Jagannath, on the full moon day of the month of Jyeshtha, or Snan Purnima, the Lord is bathed with water from 108 pitchers. Religious belief holds that after such a long bath, the Lord develops a fever and his health deteriorates. For this reason, he is given a few days' rest.

What is Anasar Kaal?

From the day after Snan Purnima (full moon day) until the new moon day of the dark fortnight of Ashadha month, Lord Jagannath does not appear before devotees. This period is called Anasar Kaal. It is believed that the Lord is recovering during this time, so the temple doors remain closed for a period of time.

What is offered to the deity during treatment?

Ayurvedic decoctions, herbs, and light food are offered to the deity as medicine. These are considered symbols of the deity's recovery. A symbolic health check-up before the Rath Yatra begins is also part of this tradition. Therefore, doctors perform a ceremonial examination of the deity with stethoscopes and other medical equipment.

What did people say about the video? 

People on social media reacted differently after seeing this scene. Some were surprised by this tradition, while others called it a unique tradition rooted in Indian culture and faith.

This tradition has been observed for many years at the Rasmandal Temple in Jaunpur. For the locals, it's not just a ritual, but a sign of the Lord's recovery from illness and the auspicious beginning of the Rath Yatra.