Lord Jagannath adorned with ‘Raja Besha’ in Puri Srimandir on Vijayadashami

Lord Jagannath and sibling deities Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra were adorned with ‘Raja Besha’ at Srimandir in Puri on the occasion of Vijayadashami. Thousands of devotees thronged Puri to witness the rare ‘Besha’.

As per sources, following the completion of ‘Abakasa’ rituals, the preparation for the ‘Raja Besha’ started. The ‘Bhandara Mekapa’ servitors brought sandal paste in three silver bowls and gold ornaments. Subsequently, the deities were adorned with sandal paste. 

After the ritual, the deities were adorned with holy ‘Pata Bastra’ and gold ornaments within the Sanctum Sanctorum of the shrine. A total of 32 gold ornaments are used during the attire.  The deities were also adorned with ‘Panchakhanda’ flower garlands. Subsequently, the deities were also adorned with weapons like ‘Hala Musala’, ‘Subarna Tadaki’ and ‘Sankha-Chakra’.

Devotees gathered in huge numbers to have a darshan of the three deities in this rare appearance. A huge gathering of people also turned up to watch the famous Gosani Yatra in Puri. Goddess Durga is worshipped as ‘Gosani’ during Durga Puja.

“‘Ayudha Puja’ is worshipped as per the rituals during Vijayadashami in Srimandir. Ayudhas (weapons) are offered to the deities after ‘Bedha Parikrama’ rituals,” said a senior servitor.