Suna Besha

The Suna Besha is also known as the Raja Besha or the Rajarajeshwara Besha. The name is derived from two words, ‘Suna’ meaning “gold” and ‘Besha’ meaning “costume”. This Besha of the deities is observed on Asadha Shukla Ekadashi (11^th bright fortnight in Asadha).   It is an event observed on Bahuda Ekadashi during the Rath Yatra. After returning from Gundicha Temple, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra are adorned with beautifully crafted gold jewellery from head to toe. It is said that the gold ornaments were crafted from the gold which King Kapilendradeva brought along with him when he returned victorious from the war with Deccan rulers. He donated all the gold to Lord Jagannath and instructed the temple priest to get ornaments made from them and adorn the deities on the occasion of Rath Yatra. Since then, the deities are decorated with gold ornaments. Mahaprabhu Jagannath is seen holding a gold Chakra in his right hand and a silver Sankha in his left hand. Lord Balabhadra holds a gold Gada in his right hand and a gold Hala in his left hand. The deities are dressed in golden attire on their respective Ratna Singhasana