The Srimandir in Puri observed Pausha Purnima on Saturday with the grand performance of the Suna Besha of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra.
This sacred ritual holds immense significance in the annual temple calendar and draws thousands of devotees across Odisha.
On this auspicious day, the Pushyabhisheka ritual of Lord Jagannath took place in accordance with temple traditions. As part of the proceedings, 108 pots of water mixed with ghee, preserved in the Adhibasa Griha since Friday, were sanctified with sandalwood paste. These consecrated pots were then used for the Abhisheka of Lord Jagannath, followed by the daily sequence of rituals under the supervision of servitors.
Sridevi’s Ritual Progression
After receiving the Agyanmala from Lord Jagannath, Maa Lakshmi proceeded in her Sridevi palanquin to Jagamohan. There, rituals such as Majana and Banaka Lagi were performed. Upon completion, Maa Lakshmi was adorned in Suna Besha, marking an important part of the day’s observances.
Suna Besha on Ratna Singhasan
The Suna Besha of Lord Jagannath was performed on the Ratna Singhasan. The deity adorns Suna Besha five times every year. Four of these occasions occur on the Ratna Singhasan—Pausha Purnima, Phalguna Purnima, Kartika Purnima, and Vijaya Dashami. On Hari Sayana Ekadashi, Lord Jagannath gives darshan in Suna Besha on the chariot.
On Saturday, the Rajarajeshwara Besha was scheduled after the Sakala Dhupa rituals.
Gold Adornments for Darshan
During the Suna Besha, Lord Jagannath was adorned with a Kirita (crown), Sripayara, Sribhuja, Harida Mala, Bahada Mala, and various other gold ornaments. Devotees witnessed the divine darshan in keeping with long-standing temple customs.
