Editor’s Note
This article highlights the Suna Besha ritual, where Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra were adorned with over 208 kg of gold jewellery in 30 distinct designs. The event, held on their chariots at Singhadwara, underscores the rich cultural and religious traditions of the temple.
Lord Jagannath and his siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, were adorned in the Rajarajeswara Besha on Sunday, also known as ‘Suna Besha’. The three deities on their chariots in front of the Singhadwara were decorated with over 208 kg of gold jewellery. Devotees are allowed to view the ritual from 6:30 PM to 11 PM. The temple and district administration have made detailed arrangements to ensure smooth darshan of the trinity.
According to temple sources, the deities are adorned with approximately 30 different designs of jewellery, including gold, diamonds, silver and other precious metals. Bhaskar Mishra, author and researcher on Sri Jagannath culture, said:
He said records are available about the use of gold jewellery in Suna Besha during the East India Company’s rule in Odisha, but there is no mention of the weight of gold used in the ritual. Priests associated with Lord’s Suna Besha claimed that the designs of jewellery used during King Kapilendra Deb’s time are still in use today. However, they are sometimes repaired using gold donated by pilgrims.
Professor Surendranath Das explained that the Suna Besha held on the chariots is also called ‘Bada Tadau Besha’ in temple terminology. He said the deities of Puri wear golden attire five times a year. However, ‘Bada Tadau Besha’ is popular because it takes place on the chariots and a large number of devotees get the opportunity to see it. He said this Suna Besha occurs on the 11th Shukla Paksha Ekadashi of the month of Ashadha.
On this day, Lord Jagannath is adorned with Shripayar, Shribhuja (arms), Kirita, Swarna Chakara, Silver Shankha, Odhiani, Kamara Pati, Chandrasurya, Adakani, Ghagada Mali, Kadambamali, Trikhandika, Jhabakanthi, Bahada Mali, Tabija Mali, Sebati Mali, Tilaka, Chandrika, Kundala and Chandasurya.
Similarly, Devi Subhadra will be adorned with Kirita, Odhiani, Chandrasurya, Kana, Ghagadamali, Kadambamali, Sebatimali and two Tagadis. Lord Balabhadra is adorned with Shripayar, Shribhuja, Kirita, Hala and Musaka, Odhiani, Kundala, Chandrasurya, Trikhandika, Kamara Pati, Adakani, Ghagada Mali, Kadambamali, Bahada Mali, Baghanakha Mali, Sebati Mali, Tilaka, Chandrika, Alaka, Jhabakanthi.
Meanwhile, Odisha Police on Sunday issued an alert to people about the heavy rush of devotees in Puri on the occasion of ‘Suna Besha’ (golden attire) of Lord Jagannath and his two sibling deities. Police informed devotees about crowd management and traffic control measures and asked them to plan their visit to the pilgrim town accordingly.
Odisha Police said, “Due to a large number of devotees arriving in Puri overnight to have darshan of Mahaprabhu, parking lots in the city are almost completely full. Vehicles are being diverted towards Talabania and Sterling based on the availability of parking spaces. Waiting time may be long at Batagaon/Malatipatapur.”
Police requested devotees to follow their advice and maintain discipline and order during the darshan period. A senior officer said that like Rath Yatra and Bahuda, drones and AI-powered cameras will be used to control the crowd and regulate traffic.