Lakhs of devotees witness Suna Besha Ritual of Lord Jagannath and Siblings in holy city of Puri
By B.Maharana
Bhubaneswar, July 06
Lakhs of devotees across the world Converged in the holy city of Puri in Odisha this evening witnessed the ‘Suna Besha’ ritual of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra blending history, tradition, and unparalleled devotion. . The sibling deities are adorned with the golden attire on their respective chariots at the Lions’ Gate of Sri Mandir of the Lords. The ritual continued till late nigtht.
Known as the “Bada Tadhau Besha,” this grand golden attire reflects the divine royalty of Mahaprabhu Jagannath, the King of Kings, captivating devotees with its regal splendour.
Historical records of Shri Jagannath Temple reveal that the tradition of Sunabesha began with King Indradyumna, who is believed to have first adorned Lord Jagannath in golden attire on the inaugural day of the Rath Yatra. The tradition gained prominence during the reign of Gajapati Kapilendra Deb in 1460 CE. After conquering southern India, Kapilendra Deb returned with 16 elephants laden with precious gems and gold ornaments, which he dedicated to Lord Jagannath.
The deities had returned to the Lions’ Gate of the 12th century shrine from Sri Gundicha temple by riding their chariots on the Grand Road after completion of their nine-day sojourn. Elaborate security arrangements have been made near Sri Mandir and in Puri for the Suna Besha.
On the auspicious occasion of Ashadha Shukla Ekadashi, Lord Jagannath, along with Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, are adorned in the magnificent Suna Besha or the golden attire this evening and offering darshan to devotees atop their three chariots at the Singhadwar in Puri. ‘Suna Besha’ also known as the ‘Bada Tadhau Besha’, this grand golden attire reflets the divine royalty of Mahaprabhu Jagannath, the King of Kings, captivating devotees with its regal splendour.
Srimandir servitors had decorated the deities with gold ornaments including Sri Hasta, Sri Payar, Sri Mukuta, Sri Mayur Chandrika, Sri Kundal, Sri Rahurekha and Sri Mala on their chariots. The ‘Suna Besha’, one of the most significant events of the Rath Yatra, is a rare and mesmerising sight.
It has transformed the Bada Danda, the Grand Road, in Puri into a sea of about 15 lakh devotees, all eager to witness the deities adorned in resplendent gold ornaments. As per the rituals, the deities will be offered Adhara Pana, a delicious drink, on their charitos tomorrow.
They will be taken back to the sanctum sanctorum of Sri Mandir from the chariots through the Pahandi procession on the occasion of Niladri Bije on this Tuesday.