Suna Besha of Lord Jagannath, in Puri
The Golden Besha (also known as Suna Besha) is an annual ritual held at the Jagannath Temple in Puri, India. During this ceremony, the three presiding deities of the temple – Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra – are adorned with gold jewelry and garments. The ritual is held five times a year, on the full moon days of the following months:
- Paush (December)
- Magha (January)
- Ashadha (July)
- Kartik (November)
- Dola Purnima (March)
The preparation for the Golden Besha begins a few days in advance. The deities are bathed and dressed in new garments. Then, a team of jewelers begins to assemble the gold jewelry that will be used for the ceremony. The jewelry is made from solid gold and is often encrusted with precious gems.
On the day of the Golden Besha, the deities are brought out of the temple and placed on a special platform. The jewelers then begin to adorn them with gold jewelry. The process can take several hours, as each piece of jewelry must be carefully placed.
Once the deities are fully adorned, they are offered prayers and rituals. Then, they are returned to the temple and placed back in their respective shrines. The Golden Besha is a time for devotees to come together and celebrate the glory of Lord Jagannath. It is also a reminder of the divine power and beauty of gold.
The Golden Besha is a major tourist attraction in Puri. Devotees from all over India and the world come to witness this unique ceremony. The Golden Besha is a visual spectacle that is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who see it.
Here are some additional facts about the Golden Besha:
- The gold jewelry used in the ceremony is donated by devotees.
- The total weight of the gold jewelry can vary, but it is typically in the range of 100 to 200 kilograms.
- The most valuable piece of jewelry used in the ceremony is a crown that is encrusted with diamonds, rubies, and emeralds.
- The Golden Besha is a time for great rejoicing and celebration. Devotees sing and dance in the streets, and the atmosphere is filled with joy and excitement.
The Golden Besha is a truly unique and special event. It is a time for devotees to come together and celebrate their faith, and it is a reminder of the divine power and beauty of gold.
