Subrat Kumar Sarangi
Bhubaneswar (NVI): With the conclusion of the Bahuda Yatra on Wednesday, the holy deities will be decorated with gold and silver for the ‘Suna Besha’ ritual, in their chariots in Bada Danda of Puri today.
Suna Besha is a special event of Rath Yatra when Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra will be decorated with Gold ornaments also known as Rajadhiraj Besha.
Unlike every year, the rituals will be performed without the congregation of devotees on the Bada Danda due to the restrictions imposed in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic. However, people can watch the event live on television by staying at home.
In total, there are 32 Beshas of deities, Suna Besha is one of the most looked upon by the devotees as it is done in their majestic chariots. This is also known as Bada Thakura Besha. They are loaded with precious stones and in the yellow shine of the Gold from top to bottom.
The deities are adorned with gold ornaments and dressed in their respective chariots parked in front of Singhadwara. The deities hands, arms and crowns are made of solid gold.
Lord Jagannath holds a gold chakra in his right hand and silver conch in his left hand. Lord Balabhadra holds a gold plough in his left hand and a golden mace in his right hand. History says Suna Besha was started during the reign of King Kapilendra Dev in 1460.
As per the centuries-old practice, Rajadhiraja Besha of the sibling deities is performed a day after the Lords come home from a 9-day sojourn at Gundicha Temple.
The chariots of the three Gods are kept in front of the Lion Gate of the Jagannath Temple in Puri.
-CHK
