The sacred Bada Danda of Sri Khetra came alive with devotion today as the Chaturdha Murti – Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Chakraraj Sudarshan – appeared in their magnificent Suna Besha, or golden attire, atop their respective chariots.
Following the Bahuda Yatra on July 24, the deities were adorned with exquisite gold ornaments, including glittering crowns (mukuta), chandrika, golden hands and feet, chakras, and other divine jewellery. The radiant Suna Besha transformed the chariots into a vision of celestial splendour, shimmering like the midday sun under the July sky.
Thousands of devotees gathered near the Singhadwara (Lion’s Gate) of the Jagannath Temple, chanting “Jai Jagannath” as they received the rare and highly auspicious darshan. The sight of Mahaprabhu in golden glory filled hearts with bhakti, wonder, and spiritual joy, continuing a centuries-old tradition observed on Bahuda Ekadashi during the annual Rath Yatra.
Priests carefully decorated the deities with gold plates, floral garlands, and sacred ornaments in a meticulous ritual that highlights the royal and divine nature of the Lords. The three massive chariots – Nandighosha, Taladhwaja, and Darpadalana – stood majestically as the centre of this sacred spectacle.
The 2026 Rath Yatra, which began on July 16, has once again drawn pilgrims from across India and the world. Despite heavy crowds and traffic on the Bhubaneswar-Puri route, the atmosphere remained charged with pure devotion. Security forces and temple authorities ensured smooth arrangements for the large gathering.
Suna Besha is one of the five times in a year when the deities are dressed in gold, but the version on the chariots during Rath Yatra holds special significance as it allows public darshan outside the temple. The golden attire is believed to bestow blessings of prosperity and protection upon devotees.
As the evening progressed, the glowing forms of the deities continued to captivate the faithful, reinforcing Puri’s timeless identity as the abode of the Lord of the Universe. Jai Jagannath!
