Jagannath Culture / New Gold Ornaments Planned for Lord Jagannath’s Suna Besha

Puri, Sep 26: The Jagannath Temple administration has announced that a new set of gold ornaments will be crafted for Lord Jagannath’s Suna Besha.

Preparations for the ornaments will begin soon, with the temple funding the initiative from its own resources. Devotees who wish to contribute donations for the ornaments may do so in consultation with the temple administration.

The decision was taken during a meeting of the Shrimandir Management Committee chaired by Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deba.

Also read: Odisha Govt Rolls Out Shri Jagannath Darshan Yojana for 2026-27

The meeting reviewed video footage of rituals from Snana Yatra to Niladri Bije, identifying lapses and resolving to ensure error‑free conduct during next year’s Rath Yatra.

In November, the foundation ceremony for the Sevayat Gurukul will be held. The Gurukul will feature modern facilities including a playground, auditorium, classrooms, and a temple, developed through OBCC.

The committee also directed OBCC to begin work on upgrading the temple’s Promod Udyan and Raghu Nandan Library.

Chief Administrator Dr. Aravind Padhee informed that the government has approved the Jagannath Land Management Act 2026. A dedicated cell will be set up at the temple office to provide accurate information to the public.

A sub‑committee under the Gajapati will also engage with the central government to safeguard Jagannath culture and tradition, and to act against any distortion.

Other initiatives include installation of the three Rath wheels at Rashtrapati Bhavan, establishment of a Vedic University at Harachandi Sahi, and heritage illumination projects.

The Gundicha Temple will reopen for devotees from September 30, with an entry fee of ₹10, though the first three days will be free. Senior citizens above 80, children, and persons with disabilities will be exempt from the fee.

Special arrangements will be made at the North Gate for elderly and differently‑abled devotees, with slot‑based booking. Exclusive entry slots will also be introduced for Puri residents.

The committee members will meet Jagadguru Shankaracharya for guidance on temple discipline and rituals, with his advice to be implemented in practice.