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Key Points

The sacred city of Puri witnessed an overwhelming turnout as devotees gathered to see Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra adorned in dazzling gold ornaments during Suna Besha. This centuries-old ritual, initiated by King Kapilendra Deva, showcases over 200 kg of intricate gold jewelry. Heavy traffic congestion plagued the city as pilgrims struggled to navigate packed roads and parking areas. The deities will soon return to the Jagannath Temple in the Niledri Bije ceremony.

Key Points: Devotees Throng Puri for Lord Jagannath's Golden Suna Besha Ritual

  • Devotees flock to Puri for Lord Jagannath's gold-adorned Suna Besha
  • Ritual features 208 kg gold ornaments including crowns and garlands
  • Traffic snarls grip Puri as parking spots overflow with pilgrims
  • Tradition traces back to 15th-century Gajapati ruler Kapilendra Deva
2 min read

Religious fervour grips Puri as devotees witness 'Suna Besha' of holy siblings

Lakhs witness Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra adorned in 208 kg gold ornaments during Puri's Suna Besha ritual after Rath Yatra.

"The tradition of Suna Besha dates back to King Kapilendra Deva’s reign in 1460 CE – Temple Historians"

Bhubaneswar, July 6

Religious fervour gripped the holy city of Puri on Sunday as devotees witnessed the regal grandeur of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra, seated on their chariots and adorned with various types of gold ornaments.

Lakhs of devotees thronged the sacred coastal town of Puri on Sunday to witness this divine spectacle. However, no untoward incident was reported during the special ritual of the deities.

As per the tradition, the holy siblings were decorated with golden hands, feet, garlands with gold beads of different shapes and styles, golden headgear, golden Chakra or discus, silver conchs, gold ploughshare and pestle during this special ritual known in the local Odia language as ‘Suna Besha’ or ‘Rajarajeswar Besha’, or ‘Bada Tadhau Besha’. This ritual is observed every year when the triad is on their respective chariots parked in front of the lion gate of Jagannath Temple after the Bahuda Yatra, the return car festival.

The devotees were filled with divine fervour by getting a glimpse of the holy siblings Lord Jagannath, Goddess Subhadara and Lord Balabhadra adorned with gold ornaments weighing around 208 Kgs during the special rituals on Sunday. Experts opined that the tradition of Suna Besha during the Rath Yatra was started during the reign of Gajapati ruler King Kapilendra Deva in 1460 CE, following the request of a special category of servitors known as Tadhau Karan. The great king also ordered the preparation of 138 types of gold ornaments, out of which some are studded with precious gemstones.

On the other hand, the huge influx of pilgrims on Sunday has caused heavy traffic snarls in the city and around Puri. All the designated parking spots in the city reached their maximum capacity. The pilgrims were stuck in a traffic jam for several hours on various roads connecting to the holy city on Sunday.

The holy siblings are scheduled to return to the sanctum sanctorum of the 12th-century shrine in a special ritual called ‘Niledri Bije’ on Tuesday.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While the spiritual significance is undeniable, the authorities must improve traffic management. My elderly parents got stuck for 5 hours! Devotion shouldn't mean suffering. Better planning needed for next year.
A
Arjun K
The historical depth of this tradition is fascinating - dating back to 1460 CE! Our ancestors preserved such rich cultural heritage. Kudos to the servitors who maintain these rituals generation after generation. Jai Jagannath! 🚩
S
Sarah B
As someone new to Indian culture, I'm amazed by the scale and devotion. The gold ornaments must be breathtaking in person. Are there any virtual tours available for those who can't visit physically?
V
Vikram M
The traffic situation is unfortunate but expected when lakhs gather. Maybe Odisha govt can introduce special trains/buses like they do for Kumbh Mela? The spiritual experience is worth the trouble though - nothing compares to seeing the Lords in golden splendor!
K
Kavya N
My grandmother used to describe Suna Besha with such devotion. Seeing it live brought tears to my eyes. The gold ploughshare and pestle symbolize our agricultural roots. Such deep meaning in every detail of our traditions ❤️

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