Snana Mandapa

The description of Snana Mandapa can be found in Niladri Mahodaya and Odia Literature.Since the deities themselves get seated on this platform and bathe in the most holy way,therefore the platform is called Snana Mandapa or Snana Bedi.

Before the reign of King Kapilendra Deba,a wooden platform near Pratihari Nijog and Bimana Saraghara(now famous as Shrimandir Branch Office) was used for Snana(bathing) rituals of the deities.During the reign of Kapilendra Deba,Bahara Bedhaa(Outer Complex) was constructed.During this construction,the current Snana Mandapa was built in the premises of Ananda Bajar.It is mentioned in Madala Panji that King Kapilendra Deba got the Snana Mandapa built in his third Anka(year) of reign.

After many years from the construction of Snana Mandapa,the steps of the Mandapa were constructed by Gajapati Birakeshari Deba,a king of the Bhoi dynasty.This thing id mentioned in the book “Pracheena Utkala” written by Jagabandhu Singh.The Snana Mandapa was repaired and G.I pipes were installed during the administrative period of Paramaananda Tripathy.The rules for constructing a bathing pedestal for the deities is mentioned in the Puraanas and Sanhitaas.It is mentioned in Niladri Mahodaya that the platform must be constructed in the Ayeshaanya (north- east) corner of the temple.According to Skanda Purana,there should be variety of trees near the platform and the nearby area should be very clean to please the gods.It is written in Bramha Puraana that-:

“Krutwaa Sushobhana Manchan Pataakabhiralankrutam,

Soodrudha Sukha Sanchaaran Bastreyha Pushpayerinan Krutam”

This means that the platform must be decorated with flags,flowers and other decorative items to make it more attractive.

The Snana Mandapa is situated at the North-East corner of Ananda Bajar in the outer complex of Shrimandir.According to the record of rights of Shrimandir,Snana Mandapa is Plot №148.It is square shaped and built of Baulamaala stones.It’s length is 54 feet and 6 inches and it is at a height of 6 feet and 6 inches from the floor of Ananda Bajar.