Why Did Puri Experience a Massive Influx of Devotees on ‘Suna Besha’?
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Synopsis
On July 6, the coastal town of Puri saw an overwhelming influx of devotees eager to witness the divine siblings adorned in gold. This article explores the significance of the 'Suna Besha' ritual and the challenges faced by pilgrims during this auspicious event.
Key Takeaways
- Puri welcomed a massive crowd of devotees on July 6.
- The deities were adorned with approximately 208 kg of gold.
- Traffic congestion was reported due to the influx of pilgrims.
- Devotees are encouraged to plan their visits wisely.
- The ‘Suna Besha’ ritual has a rich historical significance.
Bhubaneswar, July 6 (NationPress) A massive crowd of devotees flocked to the revered coastal city of Puri on Sunday to witness the divine siblings - Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra - embellished with exquisite gold ornaments, totaling approximately 208 kilograms.
The significant influx of pilgrims caught a glimpse of the celestial trio, gleaming with gold ornaments, which led to severe traffic congestion both in and around the city of Puri.
Earlier that day, the Odisha Police had issued a warning to devotees arriving in Puri that the designated parking areas were at full capacity.
Pilgrims traveling to Puri have been advised to wait for a few hours at Batgaon and Maltipatpur.
“Currently, there is an extremely heavy flow of vehicles from Bhubaneswar to Puri. The waiting time at Batgaon is approximately two hours. All devotees are encouraged to plan their visit accordingly,” stated the Odisha Police.
The police urged everyone to adhere to traffic advisories and cooperate with the officers on duty.
During the special ritual known as ‘Suna Besha’ or ‘Rajarajeswar Besha’, the deities will be adorned with gold hands, feet, garlands made of gold beads in various shapes and styles, a golden crown, gold Chakra (discus), silver conch, and gold ploughshare and pestle.
The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) previously announced that devotees could have Darsan of the deities from 6.30 pm to 11 pm on Sunday.
The ‘Suna Besha’ ritual for the holy siblings seated on their chariots was initiated during the reign of Gajapati King Kapilendra Deva, following a request from a prominent temple servitor, ‘Tadhau Karana’, in 1460 CE.
The king, who returned victorious from battles against Southern Indian rulers, generously donated cartloads of gold, diamonds, and other precious ornaments to the temple.
Point of View
It's crucial to highlight how events like the ‘Suna Besha’ not only reflect the rich cultural heritage of Odisha but also bring attention to the logistical challenges faced by large gatherings. It’s a reminder of the profound devotion of the people and the importance of maintaining order during such significant occasions.
NationPress
22/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of ‘Suna Besha’?
The ‘Suna Besha’ is a revered ritual where the deities are adorned with gold ornaments, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and devotion of the pilgrims.
What are the traffic conditions like during the event?
Due to the high number of visitors, traffic congestion is common, and devotees are advised to plan their journeys accordingly.
When can devotees have Darsan of the deities?
Devotees can have Darsan of the deities from 6.30 pm to 11 pm on the day of the ritual.
Who started the ‘Suna Besha’ ritual?
The ritual was initiated during the reign of Gajapati King Kapilendra Deva in 1460 CE, following a request from a prominent servitor.
How much gold is used in the ‘Suna Besha’?
Approximately 208 kilograms of gold ornaments are used to adorn the deities during the ‘Suna Besha’ ritual.
