Puri: A mesmerizing spectacle unfolded today in Puri as millions of devotees converged to witness the glorious Suna Besha of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra.
The sacred city transformed into a sea of devotion as the divine siblings, seated on their majestic chariots outside the Singhadwara (Lion’s Gate) of Shree Jagannath Temple, were adorned in dazzling gold ornaments.
Suna Besha, literally meaning “Golden Attire,” is one of the most significant rituals during the annual Rath Jatra festival. This year, it coincided with Ashadha Shukla Ekadashi, the day following the Bahuda Jatra (return journey) of the deities from the Gundicha Temple. The air vibrated with chants of “Jai Jagannath” as devotees, from across India and beyond, eagerly awaited a glimpse of the Trinity in their regal finery.
The adornment process, meticulously carried out by Daitapati and Puspalaka priests, commenced in the late afternoon. The deities were embellished with an array of magnificent gold jewelry, including golden crowns (mukut), necklaces (haar), armlets (keyur), anklets, and chest plates. Lord Jagannath, in particular, was adorned with a golden chakra (disc) in his right hand and a golden mace (gada). The sheer volume of gold used, estimated to be over 200 kilograms, highlighted the opulence and grandeur of the occasion.
The Suna Besha holds profound cultural and spiritual significance, symbolizing the divine majesty, wealth, and supreme power of Lord Jagannath as the ruler and protector of the universe. It serves as a powerful reminder of divine blessings and prosperity. For many, witnessing this rare public darshan is a moment of deep spiritual connection, believed to grant immense merit and liberation.
The Odisha Government had made extensive arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the ceremony, with heightened security, crowd management, and traffic control measures in place, especially given the anticipated massive turnout. The golden glow of the deities, especially as the evening progressed, created an ethereal atmosphere, filling the hearts of the devotees with awe and reverence.
Following the Suna Besha, the deities will be offered ‘Adhara Pana’, a special sweet drink, tomorrow, before they are taken back to the sanctum sanctorum of the Jagannath Temple during the ‘Niladri Bije’ ritual on July 8, marking the official conclusion of the Rath Jatra festival