Nagarjuna Besha: Lord Jagannath Dons Century’s First Naga Warrior Attire

Puri: In a once in human-generation spectacle, Friday morning Lord Jagannath and sibling deity Lord Balabhadra were adorned with the Nagarjuna Besha attire, which is a military general form, after a hiatus of 26 years. This time, however, rituals were performed only in presence of servitors and temple officials due to Covid-induced restrictions.

As per the traditional nitis and rituals mentioned in the Srimandir Record-of-Rights, 'Dwaraphita', the opening of the entrance door of 'Garbhagriha' or sanctum sanctorum of the temple was done at 2.45 AM in presence of five servitor groups - Bhitarachhu Mohapatra, Muduli, Pratihari, Akhaanda Mekap and Palia Mekap.

Following the 'Dwaraphita' rituals, 'Mailam', 'Abakas', and 'Mangala Alati' rituals were performed.

The costumes of Lord Balabhadra and Lord Jagannath were brought to the 'Ratna Singhasan' which is the divine throne of the sibling deities. At 4.45 am, all 'Nitis' or the rituals for 'Nagarjuna Besha' kicked off.

However, the rare Besha of Lord Jagannath was delayed by almost 3 hours following some dispute between Bhandar Mekap, Khuntia and Singhari over gold ornaments. Reportedly, a controversy also erupted over engagement of more number of servitors for the rituals. The Besha rituals which were scheduled to kick-off at 4:45 AM began at 7 AM after the intervention of administration.

The Lord was finally adorned with the attire at around 10 AM, which marked the conclusion of the Besha.

All the rituals were observed with devotion but without devotees this year as public 'darshan' was denied in view of Covid-19 situation. Section 144 has been clamped in Puri keeping in view a possible chance of public gathering to get a glimpse of Lord Patitapabana on this auspicious day.

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By Devbrat Patnaik)