Dr. Fakira Mohan Nahak
The Jagannath Temple of Puri, Odisha, is globally known for its unique rituals and deeply symbolic observances surrounding Lord Jagannath and his siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra. One such distinctive ritual is the Gajanana Besha or Hati Besha, observed on Devasnana Purnima, the grand bathing festival held on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Jyestha (May–June). On this day, the deities are adorned in the form of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god, which is an extraordinary deviation from their usual form and holds profound spiritual and cultural significance.
‘Gajanana’ means ‘one with an elephant face,’ referring to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the lord of beginnings. In the context of Jagannath worship, Gajanana Besha involves adorning Lord Jagannath and his siblings with elephant-like headgear and decorations after their ceremonial bath during Devasnana Purnima.
Following the ritual bath of 108 pitchers of scented, sacred water drawn from the Suna Kua (golden well), the deities are believed to contract fever from the exposure. Before retreating into the Anasara Ghara (a secluded recovery chamber), the deities are dressed in the form of Lord Ganesha. This unique attire is known as Gajanana Besha or Hati Besha and is displayed to the public for darshan (viewing) for a brief period.
After the elaborate Snana Yatra (bathing ritual), the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra are decorated with special elephant-like headgear made of silken cloth, flowers, and painted decorations. In this form, the facial features of Lord Jagannath resemble those of Lord Ganesha, with a broad trunk-like appearance created for the occasion.
This Besha is performed only once a year on Snana Purnima, making it a rare and highly anticipated event for devotees. Thousands of pilgrims gather to witness this extraordinary adornment, as it is considered highly auspicious.
Mythological and Spiritual Significance
The Gajanana Besha ritual is deeply symbolic, reflecting the inclusive and syncretic nature of Jagannath culture. By adopting the form of Lord Ganesha, Lord Jagannath symbolically takes on the attributes of the elephant-headed deity — wisdom, remover of obstacles, and the harbinger of new beginnings.
Mythologically, the appearance of the deities in Gajanana Besha is believed to protect devotees from misfortunes and obstacles in life. As per local belief, witnessing this Besha grants punya and ensures well-being, success, and removal of difficulties.
Additionally, the merging of identities between Lord Jagannath (a form of Vishnu) and Lord Ganesha signifies the unity of divine forms in the Jagannath tradition, which embraces various deities and tribal elements within its fold (Mahapatra, 2012) (Rituals, Festivals and Customs of Odisha. Cuttack: Vidyapuri).
Cultural Importance
The Gajanana Besha serves as a remarkable example of Odisha’s rich ritualistic culture and religious tolerance. It showcases how the Jagannath tradition has historically assimilated various indigenous, Vaishnavite, Shaivite, and tribal customs over centuries (Kulke & Schnepel, 2001) (Jagannath Revisited: Studying Society, Religion, and the State in Orissa. New Delhi: Manohar Publishers.) This annual event also strengthens the cultural identity of the Odia people, as it reaffirms their connection to a living tradition that uniquely honours both mainstream Hindu and local tribal deities.
The Devotion of Ganapati Bhatta
A well-known legend explains the origin of the Gajanana Besha. In the 15th century, a scholar and ardent devotee of Lord Ganesha, Ganapati Bhatta from the Mahaganapatya community in Karnataka, visited the Jagannath Temple in Puri on Devasnana Purnima. Expecting to see Lord Ganesha, he was disappointed to find only the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra on the Snana Mandap. Feeling disheartened, he began to leave. However, Lord Jagannath, known as Antaryami (the omniscient one), understood his devotee’s heart. A mysterious Brahmin (believed to be Lord Jagannath himself) persuaded Ganapati Bhatta to return to the Snana Mandap in the evening. To his astonishment, he saw Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra adorned with elephant-like headgear, resembling Lord Ganesha. Overwhelmed, Ganapati Bhatta realized that all deities are manifestations of the same divine essence. Since then, the Gajanana Besha has been a key ritual of Devasnana Purnima, symbolizing Lord Jagannath’s inclusivity and compassion.
The Gajanana Besha of Lord Jagannath on Devasnana Purnima is not just an eye-catching ritual but a profound religious event symbolizing inclusivity, divine unity, and spiritual renewal. Through this rare and auspicious adornment, the Jagannath tradition honors the significance of Lord Ganesha and reminds devotees of the universal attributes of wisdom, protection, and new beginnings. As an essential part of Puri’s sacred calendar, the Gajanana Besha continues to captivate and spiritually uplift millions of devotees every year.
(Dr. Fakira Mohan Nahak, Professor, Journalism & Mass Communication, Manipal University Jaipur, Rajasthan, Call: 9937252464)
