Bhubaneswar: The excitement in the air in Puri is palpable as the sibling deities- Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra- are all set to appear in golden attire today called Suna Besha in the afternoon.
The priests are busy preparing for the evening’s festivities – the Suna Besha of Lord Jagannath.
After the smooth celebration of Bahuda Yatra on Saturday, the deities continued to give darshan to the devotees through the night. The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) decided to keep open the chariots for the darshan of devotees.
The Suna Besha, also known as the Golden attire, is a revered ritual where Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra are adorned with gold and silver ornaments.
As the ornaments are placed on the deities, they sparkle like diamonds in the fading light. Lord Jagannath, resplendent in his golden attire, look majestic and divine.
The Suna Besha is a symbol of the divine beauty and grandeur of Lord Jagannath. It’s a reminder that the Lord is not just a deity but a living, breathing entity who embodies love, compassion, and wisdom.
The Suna Besha is a spectacle that draws thousands of devotees to Puri every year. It’s a celebration of the divine and the beauty of the human spirit.
The Suna Besha, a revered tradition at the Jagannath Temple, is believed to have originated in 1460 during the reign of King Kapilendra Deb. According to legend, the king transported substantial gold to Puri on 16 elephants after a victorious battle, offering it to the temple. This annual celebration continues to be observed on Asadha Sukla Ekadasi Tithi.
The task of adorning the deities is entrusted to various servitor groups, including Palia Puspalak, Bhitarchha Mohapatra, Taluchha Mohapatra, Daitapatis, Khuntia, and Mekap Sevaks. These skilled sevaks meticulously decorate the deities on the chariots, bringing the tradition to life.
