Puri- Every year, amidst the divine fervor of Rath Yatra, a splendid and spiritually enriching ritual known as “Suna Besha” brings a unique aura to the holy city of Puri. This golden attire ceremony is observed when Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra return from their nine-day journey to the Gundicha Temple. As the deities rest atop their majestic chariots in front of the Srimandir, they are adorned with an array of exquisite gold ornaments, dazzling in the sunlight and capturing the devotion of thousands of onlookers.
This special adornment is not performed inside the sanctum but right outside the temple, allowing devotees a rare glimpse of the deities in their most regal form. The visual grandeur of this ritual reflects the celestial splendor and royal stature of the divine siblings. Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra are decorated with golden hands and feet, symbolizing their divine presence and power. Each deity carries unique divine symbols in their hands: Lord Jagannath holds a golden Chakra and a silver conch, while Lord Balabhadra bears a golden plough and a golden mace.
Their ornaments are not just symbols of beauty but carry deep spiritual significance. The golden crown or “Sri Mukuta” signifies divinity and sovereignty. The “Mayur Chandrika”, shaped like a peacock feather, evokes the essence of Sri Krishna. Adornments like the “Chulapati” and “Rahurekha” enhance the deities’ divine expressions, while “Kundals”—beautifully crafted earrings—add grace to their visage.
Among the most cherished elements of Suna Besha are the various types of “Sri Mala”, the golden necklaces, each crafted with symbolic floral designs. The “Padam Mala” reflects the shape of a lotus, while the “Champa Mala” echoes the beauty of the yellow champa flower. The “Kante Mala”, with its large gold beads, and the “Mayur Mala”, shaped like peacock feathers, add to the richness of the attire. The “Agasti”, “Kadamba”, and “Sevati” malas are each inspired by different sacred flowers, giving the entire ensemble a touch of floral divinity.
The “Sri Chita” placed on the forehead of each deity represents the third eye—symbolizing spiritual insight and omniscience. The “Chakra”, “Gada”, and “Padma”—the golden wheel, bludgeon, and lotus—each represent power, protection, and purity, respectively. The only silver ornament in this golden ensemble is the “Sri Sankha”, the conch, which carries its own sacred connotation of auspicious beginnings and the divine sound of the universe.
Suna Besha is not merely an annual ritual—it is a divine spectacle of devotion, artistry, and spirituality. The gleam of gold, the rich symbolism of each ornament, and the majestic appearance of the deities together offer a divine vision that lingers in the hearts of devotees long after the day has passed.
