Phuluri oil holds significant importance as it is applied in the treatment of Lord Jagannath during the Anasara period.
After the holy bath on Snana Purnima, Lord Jagannath and his sibling deities fall ill and are kept at the Anasara Pindi in Srimandira, Puri, Odisha, out of the reach of devotees, and given medical treatment with herbs.
Among these herbal treatments is the Phuluri oil treatment, a special oil prepared in a prescribed ancient style and applied to Lord Jagannath.
It is believed that the deities recover from illness with this treatment.
Phuluri oil is a type of fragrant oil used to treat the fever of Lord Jagannath and the sibling deities. Since oil and flowers are its main ingredients, it is called “Phuluri Tel.” It is prepared from manually crushed sesame oil.
Phuluri oil is prepared naturally by mixing Bena roots and Krishna Bhoga Dhan with Malati, Kia, Dohi, and Baul flowers.
On Herapanchami day, a small amount of pure sesame oil is taken, scented flowers and herbal roots are added to it, and the whole pan is buried under the soil.
On the next year, on the eve of Deba Snana Purnima, the said pan is taken out, and on the Panchami day, it is filtered, and ‘amunia’ is prepared.
The members of the Bada Odia Matha take about six sars of Phuluri oil and go to the temple to offer it to the deity on the fifth Anasara day. This secret service is conducted by Daitapati and Pati Mahapatra in the Anasar house.
After the midday incense and South House Bhog are completed, the Jayavijay door is closed, and the Anasar door is opened. Pati Mahapatra takes the oil in three silver bowls, sanctifies it, and the Daitapati servitors apply it to Mahaprabhu. It is then sent to Srimandira.
After the Madhyanha Dhupa ritual, the Dakhini Ghara Bhoga is offered. Now, the Jay Bijay door is closed, and the Anasar door is opened, and Pati Mahapatra takes the oil in three silver pots called Pingalas, sanctifies it, and then offers it to the God.
Applying Phuluri Tel is an important part of Mahaprabhu’s secret policy. It is believed that when Phuluri oil is applied to Mahaprabhu’s body, the body pain is reduced, and Mahaprabhu gets some relief from fever.