Puri's Jagannath Temple Highlights Healing Rituals and Sacred 22 Steps

During the 2026 Rath Yatra, priests at Puri's Jagannath Temple applied a specially prepared medicinal Phuluri oil to the wooden idols of Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra and Lord Balabhadra as part of the Anasara healing rites. The oil, made by the Bada Odia Mutt from cold‑pressed sesame blended with fourteen flower varieties, seven medicinal roots and other botanicals, is aged for a year before being sanctified and massaged onto the deities to relieve fever symptoms.

The temple also features a set of 22 steps, known as Baisi Pahacha, that lead to the main entrance. Tradition holds that the steps represent human flaws, stages of spiritual evolution or elements of Vedic philosophy. Ascending the steps is considered a rite of self‑control, with a particular stone called “Yamashila” on the third step believed to absolve sins when stepped on during the ascent.