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The Jagannath Temple in Puri is a symbol of spiritual and cultural legacy. One of the most awe-inspiring rites linked with Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Lord Balabhadra, and their sister Goddess Subhadra is the Suna Besha, also known as the “Golden Attire” among its many respected traditions. It is sometimes called Rajadhiraja Bhesha or Raja Besha. It is observed on the day following the Deities’ return from the Gundicha Temple. in Bada Ekadasi, the 11th day of the bright fortnight of Asadha, the deities in their chariots adopt the golden outfit known as Suna Besha, which includes solid gold hands, arms, and crowns.
This grand ceremony, in which the idols are decorated with complex gold jewels, is a display of divine magnificence that draws millions of devotees and tourists from all over the world. The Suna Besha is more than just a ceremony; it is a profound expression of devotion, artistry, and the rich cultural heritage of Odisha.
The term Suna Besha is derived from the Odia terms suna (gold) and besha (attire or costume), which refer to the decoration of deities with gold jewelry and ornaments. This ceremony is a feature of the Jagannath Rath Yatra, a world-renowned chariot festival, but it also takes place on other important dates throughout the year. Suna Besha during the Rath Yatra is intended to be a particularly great spectacle, capturing devotees’ hearts with its spiritual and visual splendor.
To the Suna Besha during the Rath Yatra, the ritual is observed four other times during the year inside the temple on the Ratna Singhasana (gem-studded altar). These occasions are:
- Magha Purnima (January, full moon day)
- Dussehra (October)
- Kartik Purnima (November)
- Dola Purnima (March)
The Suna Besha during the Rath Yatra is the most prominent and widely attended, as it takes place on the grand chariots in full public view, making it accessible to a larger audience, including non-Hindus who are otherwise restricted from entering the temple.
Historical Origins of Suna Besha
Suna Besha began in the 15th century, during the reign of King Kapilendradeva (1434-1466 CE) of the Gajapati dynasty. After returning triumphant from southern India with enormous treasure, reported to be carried by 16 elephants, he dedicated it to Lord Jagannath. On the recommendation of a temple servant, this wealth was used to make gold decorations for the deities, ushering in Suna Besha.
Suna Besha means “Golden Attire.” On this day, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra sit on their chariots wearing gold jewelry. This ceremony represents Lord Jagannath’s regal divinity and is also known as Rajadhiraja Besha or Raja Besha. This spectacular show represents their almighty majesty, prosperity, and absolute authority as rulers and defenders of the universe.
It also serves as a reminder of people’s benefits, prosperity, and the belief that dharma (righteousness) is always as bright as gold.
The jewelry are kept in the temple’s inner treasury and only exposed on special occasions, making it a highly treasured tradition in Odisha.
Rituals of Suna Besha
Suna Besha is a precisely organized ceremony that consists of a sequence of ceremonial stages performed with utmost devotion and accuracy by the temple’s priests and servants. The following is a detailed explanation of the Suna Besha ceremonies, notably during the Rath Yatra.
Preparation of the Deities
The Suna Besha preparations begin several days in advance. In preparation for the ornamentation, the deities Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra bathe and dress in new clothing. A team of professional jewelers and priests painstakingly inspects and prepares the gold jewelry kept in the temple’s treasury. These ornaments, crafted of real gold and frequently adorned with valuable stones, are intended to complement the deities’ unique wooden bodies, which are distinguished by wide, expressive eyes and simplified limbs.
The decorations used in the Suna Besha are elaborate and significant, with each piece holding spiritual importance. Some of the main ornaments are:
- Suna Hasta (Golden Hands): Gold plates shaped like hands, adorned on the deities’ arms.
- Suna Payar (Golden Feet): Gold plates for the feet, symbolizing divine grace.
- Suna Mukuta (Golden Crown): Elaborate crowns encrusted with gems, signifying royalty.
- Suna Mayur Chandrika: Golden peacock feather worn by Lord Jagannath, representing his identity as Lord Krishna.
- Suna Chulapati – Golden ornament worn traditionally on the forehead to increase the beauty of the face
- Suna Kundal (Golden Earrings): Ornate earrings that enhance the deities’ divine appearance.
- Suna Rahurekha: Half-square-shaped golden aura around the deities’ faces, symbolizing their divine radiance.
- Suna Mala: Gold necklaces in various designs, adding to the regal splendor.
- Padma Mala – Lotus Shaped
- Sevati Mala – Shaped Like Small Sun Flower
- Kadamba Mala – Kadamba Flower Design (Round ball shape)
- Kante Mala – Big Gold Beads Design
- Agasti Mala – Moon Shaped flower design
- Mayur Mala – Shaped in Peacock feathers
- Champa Mala – Shaped liked Yellow champa Flower
- Suna Chakra – Golden Wheel
- Suna Gada – Golden bludgeon
- Suna Padma – Golden lotus
- Rupa Sankha – Silver conch
- Chakra and Conch (for Lord Jagannath): Gold chakra (disc) on the right hand and a silver conch on the left, symbolizing his divine powers.
- Plough and Mace (for Lord Balabhadra): Gold plough on the left hand and a golden mace on the right, representing strength and protection.
- Kireet and Shri Payara: Crowns and ornaments symbolizing royal power.
- Chandra Surjya: Moon and sun discs, denoting cosmic balance.
When not in use, these ornaments, some weighing up to 150 tolas (about 1.7 kg), are carefully manufactured and housed in the temple’s treasury under strict protection. The entire weight of gold utilized in the Suna Besha was previously reported to be over 208 kg, but recent estimates indicate only 20-30 designs are now used due to practical constraints.
The Adornment Process
In the day of the Suna Besha, the deities are placed in their respective chariots stationed at the Singhadwara: Nandighosha for Lord Jagannath, Taladhwaja for Lord Balabhadra, and Darpadalan for Goddess Subhadra. The ornamentation process starts in the late afternoon, about 5:00 PM IST, and lasts for many hours. The Daitapati priests, who are in charge of caring for the deities during the Rath Yatra, assist the Puspalaka priests in delicately placing the gold jewelry on the deities.
The process is a religious ceremony that includes Vedic chanting, conch shell blowing, and devotional music. Prior to the gold jewelry, the deities are clad in vivid clothing, often yellow and red for Lord Jagannath, red and bluish-green for Lord Balabhadra, and contrasting hues for Goddess Subhadra. The ornamentation is done with meticulous care to ensure that each piece is securely and respectfully positioned, enhancing the deities’ magnificent look.
The Suna Besha during Rath Yatra is particularly notable since it occurs on chariots outside the Jagannath Temple, providing a rare opportunity for public viewing. On regular days, only Hindus are permitted to visit the temple; however, this magnificent occasion invites members of all religions, including non-Hindus, to behold the deities in their glorious golden costume.
In the evening, from approximately 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM IST, lakhs of devotees assemble to witness the glorious sight of Lord Jagannath with his golden chakra and conch, Lord Balabhadra with his plow and mace, and Goddess Subhadra dressed in gold. This tremendous darshan is thought to cleanse sins and provide devotees with moksha (freedom) and spiritual blessings.
Post-Adornment Rituals
Following the Suna Besha, the deities are served Adhara Pana, a sweet drink made with milk, cream, cottage cheese, plantain pulp, grated coconut, brown sugar, and spices like nutmeg and black pepper. This offering is made on the chariots as a mark of breaking the deities’ fast on Ekadashi, a Hindu fasting day. The ceramic containers containing the Adhara Pana are ceremonially shattered after the offering, and devotees gather little amounts of the drink as prasada (holy offering), which is thought to carry divine blessings.
The Suna Besha culminates with the deities being prepared to return to the temple’s sanctum for the Niladri Bijay rite, which marks the end of the Rath Yatra celebration. The gold ornaments are carefully removed and returned to the Bhitara Bhandaraghara, guarded by temple police and storekeepers.
Significance of Jagannath Suna Besha
Millions of people see Lord Jagannath’s Suna Besha, or “Golden Attire,” as deeply religious, spiritual, and cultural. Celebrated on the day after the Rath Yatra’s return voyage (Bahuda Ekadashi), this auspicious celebration commemorates the moment when Lord Jagannath, along with Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, are decorated with exquisite gold decorations while seated on their chariots outside the temple.
This uncommon public darshan, which is especially noteworthy given that non-Hindus are not permitted to enter the temple, permits all devotees to see the divine form of the deities shining in gold under the open sky. It represents the Lord’s absolute sovereignty, victory over evil, and boundless compassion for His disciples.
It is thought that catching a glimpse of the Lord at Suna Besha will wash away sins, grant wishes, and bestow spiritual freedom. The golden ornaments passed down through generations are not only displays of devotion, but also symbols of divine power and protection.
Every year, millions of pilgrims and visitors flock to the breathtaking sight, clutching folded hands and crying in the hope of divine grace. The Suna Besha is more than just a beautiful show; it is an experience of profound spiritual awakening and connection with the eternal.
Jagannath Suna Besha 2025, which will take place on July 6, 2025, is a spectacular celebration of faith, culture, and art. Jagannath Suna Besha 2025, which will take place on July 6, 2025, is a spectacular celebration of faith, culture, and art. As Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra ride in their chariots decorated with gold ornaments, believers and guests alike will be fascinated by the ritual’s exquisite magnificence. The Suna Besha is more than just a beautiful show; it is a profound spiritual experience that unites devotees to the divine, washes their sins, and strengthens Odisha’s eternal traditions.
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