Puri: The Padma Besha (lotus attire) ritual of Lord Jagannath and his siblings at the Srimandir in Puri is being observed today. Seated in the Ratna Singhasan (bejewelled throne) of the temple, the Trinity will adorn Padma Besha and give darshan to the devotees.
The preparation of the costumes for the Besha at the Badachata Matha has been completed. Decorative lotus made of thermocol will be fixed to the feet of the deities at the midnight. Srimukha, Karapallav, Nabhipadma, and Hansa have also been made. Tulasi and huge marigold garlands to be worn by the deities have taken the final shape.
Padma Pokhari (lotus pond) will be created in front of the Ratna Singhasan and the deities will don the Besha all through the night.
Padma Besha is done on any Wednesday or Saturday between the new moon day of Magha and Basanta Panchami. There is a legend behind this Besha. Long ago, a great saint devotee of Lord named Manohar Das desired to offer lotus flower in this winter. It could be possible because of his Bhakti Bhava (deep devotion towards Lord).
From that day the Padma Besha is used for the decoration of deities. A special type of pudding called Padma Khiri is offered to deities on this day. Only with this Besha, the triad go to sleep, and on the following day morning after Mangala Alati devotees get a chance to see this Besha.
