Suna Besha: The Golden Adornment of Lord Jagannath
Suna Besha: The Golden Adornment of Lord Jagannath
Suna Besha, also known as the Golden Attire, is a grand and sacred ritual observed in the Jagannath Temple of Puri, Odisha. It holds immense religious and cultural significance in the Odia tradition. The term “Suna” translates to “gold,” and “Besha” means “aecorating the deities of the temple—Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra—with intricate ornaments made of pure gold.
Historical Background
The tradition of Suna Besha is believed to have originated in the 15th century during the reign of King Kapilendra Deva of the Gajapati dynasty. After a victorious military campaign, the king donated a large quantity of gold to the Jagannath Temple. This gold was later used to craft exquisite jewelry and adornments for the deities, thus giving rise to the Suna Besha ritual.
When Is Suna Besha Observed?
Suna Besha is observed several times throughout the year, but the most famous and visually striking occurrence takes place on the Bahuda Ekadashi, which falls a day after the return of the deities from their annual Rath Yatra (chariot festival) to the Jagannath Temple. On this day, the deities are seated on the Ratna Singhasana (bejeweled throne) in the temple premises and are dressed in golden ornaments that can weigh over 200 kilograms in total.
Apart from Bahuda Ekadashi, Suna Besha is also observed on other important occasions, including Dussehra and Kartik Purnima.
The Ornaments
During the ritual, the deities are adorned with a variety of gold ornaments, including:
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Golden crowns (Kirita)
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Hand and arm decorations (Bahuti and Payar)
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Chest plates (Chita and Mali)
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Ear and nose rings (Kundala and Naka Phula)
Each ornament is meticulously designed with symbolic meaning, representing divine qualities, royal majesty, and spiritual protection.
Significance of Suna Besha
Suna Besha is more than a visual spectacle; it is a moment of deep devotion for millions of devotees. The golden ornaments are not merely symbols of wealth but are seen as offerings of reverence and gratitude. The ritual signifies divine prosperity, spiritual wealth, and the supreme majesty of Lord Jagannath as the ruler of the universe (Jagatnatha).
Security and Ritual Protocol
Given the enormous value of the ornaments, the event is conducted under tight security. The entire process is carried out with strict ritualistic precision by designated priests and servitors known as Sevayats. Only a select few are allowed to perform the dressing, and photography is strictly prohibited within the temple complex.
Conclusion
Suna Besha is a unique tradition that blends spirituality, culture, and history. For devotees, it is not just an occasion to witness the divine in golden glory but also an opportunity to reflect on the timeless legacy of Lord Jagannath and the enduring cultural richness of Odisha.
