Ailing Lord Jagannath and Siblings to Receive Traditional ‘Phuluri’ Oil Treatment Today

Ailing Lord Jagannath and Siblings to Receive Traditional ‘Phuluri’ Oil Treatment Today

In keeping with centuries-old tradition, the ailing deities—Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra will receive the sacred ‘Phuluri Tela’ treatment today on the auspicious occasion of Anasara Panchami.

As per the age-old belief, the Holy Trinity falls ill after the ceremonial bath of Snana Yatra, during which 108 pots of herbal and aromatic water are used. This is followed by a 15-day Anasara stay in isolation inside the Puri Srimandir, during which the deities are said to rest and recover. The Phuluri oil treatment is a key part of this healing period.

What is ‘Phuluri Tela Seva’?

The Phuluri Tela Seva is a sacred, secret ritual that has been observed for over a thousand years. It involves anointing the deities with a special herbal oil believed to help cure their fever and weakness after the intense Snana Yatra bath. This treatment marks a crucial step in preparing them for their grand appearance during Naba Jaubana Darshan and the world-famous Rath Yatra.

How is Phuluri Oil Made?

The oil is specially prepared by the Bada Odia Matha. It consists of 24 unique ingredients including pure sesame oil, fragrant flowers like Ketaki, Malli, Boula, and Champa, as well as roots, rice, sandalwood powder, herbs, grains, and camphor. Once mixed, the oil is stored underground on Hera Panchami and aged for a year to reach its full potency.

Jagannath culture expert Padmanabha Tripathy noted, “The deities will gradually recover after the Phuluri oil treatment and be ready to bless the world during the Rath Yatra.”

This ancient tradition not only preserves Odia spiritual practices but also reinforces the divine-human connection, where even gods are lovingly cared for in illness, symbolizing deep devotion and tradition.