Dr. Fakira Mohan Nahak
Among the many sacred rituals and visually spectacular traditions associated with the world-famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, the Suna Besha holds a unique and resplendent place in the hearts of millions of devotees. Celebrated with grandeur on the day after Bahuda Yatra (the return car festival), Suna Besha transforms the deities of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra into a radiant spectacle, adorned with gold ornaments and regal finery.
The term Suna Besha literally translates to ‘Golden Attire’. This majestic ritual is performed on the Ekadashi Tithi (eleventh day of the bright fortnight of Ashadha month) — the day following the return of the three deities from the Gundicha Temple to the Shree Jagannath Temple. It is conducted on the chariots themselves while the deities remain seated in front of the Lion’s Gate (Singha Dwara) of the Jagannath Temple.
On this occasion, the deities are decorated with enormous quantities of handcrafted gold ornaments — a sight believed to be spiritually elevating and auspicious. Each year, devotees throng the Grand Road (Bada Danda) of Puri to witness this divine adornment, which symbolises prosperity, protection, and the supreme power of the Lord in His most majestic form.
The tradition of Suna Besha is believed to have originated during the reign of King Kapilendra Deva of the Gajapati dynasty in the 15th century CE. After conquering southern kingdoms and bringing immense wealth to Puri, he dedicated a significant portion of his treasures to Lord Jagannath. The king ordered that the deities be ornamented with gold jewellery to signify their status as rulers of the universe. Since then, the ritual has been meticulously preserved, with generations of servitors and temple priests safeguarding both the ornaments and the sacred protocol surrounding this ceremony.
The adornments for Suna Besha include golden crowns, hands, feet, necklaces, and various intricate ornaments, each symbolising aspects of cosmic power and protection. It is estimated that over 200 kilograms of gold is used during the ritual, making it one of the most opulent religious adornments in the world.
Beyond its material grandeur, the Suna Besha is deeply symbolic. It represents the supreme sovereignty of Lord Jagannath as the ruler of creation, protector of the devotees, and the eternal force behind the cosmic order. Devotees believe that a glimpse of the Lord in Suna Besha grants immense spiritual merit and liberation from the cycles of birth and death. The sight of the deities glittering in the evening light, with millions chanting prayers and hymns, turns Puri into a celestial abode, and the entire atmosphere resonates with the divine energy of devotion.
The Suna Besha is not just a religious event but a social and cultural celebration as well. The ceremony witnesses participation from lakhs of devotees, local servitor communities, and administrative staff, ensuring seamless organisation. The entire town of Puri transforms into a vibrant sea of humanity, devotion, and colour. For devotees who cannot enter the sanctum of the Jagannath Temple, this public appearance of the deities in their golden attire offers a rare and cherished opportunity for darshan.
The Suna Besha of Lord Jagannath, a sublime part of the Rath Yatra festivities, exemplifies the living spiritual heritage of India. It blends history, faith, ritual, and community into a golden spectacle of devotion. Even in the modern era, this ancient tradition continues to inspire awe and reverence, reminding the world of the eternal majesty of Lord Jagannath — the Lord of the Universe.
(Dr. Fakira Mohan Nahak, Professor, Journalism and Mass Communication, Manipal University Jaipur, Rajasthan. Call- 9937252464)
