Suna Besha: Sibling deities of Puri Srimandir set to dazzle in golden avatar today

After the completion of the nine-day sojourn of Lord Jagannath and his sibling deities-elder brother Lord Balabhadra and sister Goddess Subhadra-from Srimandir to Gundicha temple, the Holy Trinity of Puri Srimandir are all set to give darshan to devotees in Rajarajeswar Besha popularly known as Suna Besha today.

The significant characteristic of the Suna Besha (golden attire) ritual is that the three deities will adorn with heavy gold ornaments atop the chariots in front of the Singhadwar of the 12th century shrine. 

Around 200 kg of gold ornaments is usually used in the golden attire ritual of the deities.

The deities also appear in golden attire on four other occasions. These are Dusssehra, Karttika Purnima, Pausa Purnima and Dolapurnima. The ritual is conducted inside the temple on these occasions. However, during Ratha Jatra, the Suna Besha is celebrated atop the chariots.

As per the schedule, Suna Besha ritual will start atop the chariots at 4.30 am today. The special ritual will be performed after Mailama, Sadhi Khandua Lagi, Sandhya Alati and Ekasashi Sarnabga Niti.

As per legend, King Kapilendra Deb had brought a huge amount of gold jewellery by conquering a neighbouring kingdom. He donated all the valuable metals to the temple in 1460. Since then, the Suna Besha has been a major ritual of the deities.

Elaborate security arrangements have been made for the smooth darshan of the devotees.

After Suna Besha, Adharapana and Niladri Bije rituals will be observed. The district administration and police have made elaborate arrangements for the final phase rituals of Rath Yatra.