Puri Rath Yatra: Holy Trinity Dazzle In 'Suna Besha'

Puri, July 17: With the conclusion of the Bahuda Yatra Tuesday, the Holy Trinity -- Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra -- on their respective chariots on 'Bada Danda’ (Grand Road), donned a resplendent attire of gold ornaments in a special ritual called ‘Suna Besha’ Wednesday.

Notably, Bahuda Yatra -- the return journey of the deities from Sri Gundicha Temple to Srimandir -- began Monday and concluded Tuesday.

The significant characteristic of the Suna Besha (golden attire) ritual is that the three deities are adorned with heavy gold ornaments atop the chariots in front of the Singhadwar (Lion's Gate).

Suna Besha is also known as Rajadhiraja besha, Raja Besha and Rajarajeshwara Besha. This is a festival when the deities Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are adorned with gold jewellery.

It is observed on the day after the return of the Deities from Gundicha Temple, on Ashadha Shukla Ekadashi Tithi. Out of the 32 Beshas or forms of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra, Suna Besha is one of the most looked upon by the devotees.

During this special ritual, the holy trinity will be decorated with gold ornaments. Lord Jagannath will also be adorned with a chakra (disc) made of gold on the right hand while a silver conch would adorn his left hand. However, Balabhadra will be decorated with a plough made of gold on the left hand and a golden mace on his right hand. Goddess Subhadra’s forehead is decorated with an emerald (panna).

As per the schedule, Suna Besha ritual took place Wednesday evening as the devotees are having glimpses of Suna Besha till 11 pm.

Security beefed up in Puri for sibling detities Suna Besha. Drones have been deployed for management of traffic and parking.

As it is expected that over 20 lakh devotees will congregate to witness ‘Suna Besha’.