What Awaits Devotees at Puri’s ‘Suna Besha’?
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Synopsis
Religious fervor enveloped Puri as devotees gathered to behold the stunning ‘Suna Besha’ of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra. This annual spectacle showcases the divine siblings adorned in gold, marking a cherished tradition that has captivated thousands for centuries.
Key Takeaways
- ‘Suna Besha’ showcases the holy siblings in gold.
- Adornments weigh approximately 208 kgs.
- Initiated by King Kapilendra Deva in 1460 CE.
- Significant crowd turnout leads to heavy traffic.
- Celebrated annually post-Bahuda Yatra.
Bhubaneswar, July 6 (NationPress) The holy city of Puri was engulfed in a wave of religious fervor this past Sunday as thousands of devotees gathered to witness the majestic display of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra, resplendent on their chariots and adorned with a multitude of gold ornaments.
Lakhs of devotees flocked to this sacred coastal town to partake in this divine spectacle, with no reported incidents during the special ceremony of the deities.
Tradition dictates that the holy siblings are adorned with golden hands, feet, garlands of various gold beads, golden headgear, gold Chakra (discus), silver conchs, and gold implements such as a ploughshare and pestle in what is known in the local Odia language as ‘Suna Besha’ or ‘Rajarajeswar Besha’, also referred to as ‘Bada Tadhau Besha’.
This ritual is celebrated annually when the triad is positioned on their chariots in front of the lion gate of the Jagannath Temple after the Bahuda Yatra, marking the return car festival.
The sight of the holy siblings, adorned with approximately 208 kgs of gold ornaments during the special rituals, filled the devotees with an overwhelming sense of divine joy.
Experts suggest that the Suna Besha tradition during the Rath Yatra dates back to the reign of Gajapati ruler King Kapilendra Deva in 1460 CE, initiated at the behest of a specific group of servitors known as Tadhau Karan.
The pious king ordered the crafting of 138 types of gold ornaments, some adorned with precious gemstones.
However, the significant influx of pilgrims on Sunday led to severe traffic congestion throughout the city and surrounding areas.
All designated parking areas reached full capacity, leaving many pilgrims stranded in traffic jams for hours on various routes leading to the holy city.
The holy siblings are set to return to the sanctum sanctorum of the 12th-century shrine in a special ritual named ‘Niledri Bije’ on Tuesday.
Point of View
I recognize the significance of the ‘Suna Besha’ ritual in Puri, not just as a religious event but as a cultural cornerstone that unites devotees from all walks of life. This annual celebration exemplifies the rich traditions of India, showcasing the collective devotion and reverence that continues to thrive in our society.
NationPress
04/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of ‘Suna Besha’?
The ‘Suna Besha’ ritual is a significant event in Puri where the holy siblings are adorned with gold ornaments, symbolizing divine grandeur and spiritual devotion.
When does the ‘Suna Besha’ take place?
The ‘Suna Besha’ is celebrated annually after the ‘Bahuda Yatra’ during the Rath Yatra festival.
How much gold is used in the ‘Suna Besha’?
Approximately 208 kgs of gold ornaments are used to adorn the deities during the ‘Suna Besha’ ritual.
Who initiated the ‘Suna Besha’ tradition?
The tradition of ‘Suna Besha’ is believed to have been started by King Kapilendra Deva in 1460 CE.
What challenges do devotees face during the event?
The influx of devotees often leads to heavy traffic congestion and overcrowding in Puri during the ‘Suna Besha’ festival.
