Pushya Abhishek rituals of Lord Jagannath in Puri Srimandir today

One of the twelve important festivals of Lord Jagannath is Pushya Abhishek which is being observed today at Srimandir in Puri. 

This festival is observed on the Pushya Nakshatra day of Pausa month. Lord Jagannath is made the king on this day. 

According to puranas, Lord Ram was coroneted on this day after his return from 14 years of exile.  

Pushya Abhishek Rituals of Lord Jagannath

- The Lord is bathed in 108 pitchers of holy water and then the Lord’s ceremonial crowning is observed (as per the temple tradition). 

- Then after receiving the Lord’s ‘angyamala’, Goddess Laxmi seated in palanquin visits the Jagamohan.  

- Thereafter, the ‘Raja Rajeshwar’ or ‘suna besha’ of the deities is performed on the ‘Ratna Singhasan’. 

- The deities are adorned with gold ornaments.  

- It is believed that on this day 'devas' (Gods) and saints assemble at Puri sea beach. So, the sea is also worshipped on this day. 

Meanwhile, lakhs of devotees throng Srimandir to witness the lord in gold attire. In fact, Suna Besha is observed five times in a year. 

While four such (Suna Besha) events take place inside the temple, one takes place outside the temple when the deities are on their respective chariots during the world-famous car festival.