Suna Vesha Unveils Golden Adornments On Deities And Chariots
Suna Vesha, meaning “Gold Attire,” is a ritual observed on the eleventh day of the bright fortnight in Asadha, immediately after the Deities’ return from the Gundicha Temple. As twilight descends, the three deities are bedecked with resplendent gold jewelry, adorning their magnificent chariots in a breathtaking display. The gold is stored in the Ratna Bhandara (treasury) of the Jagannath Temple. Under the supervision of the bhandara mekap priests, accompanied by armed police and temple officials, the required amount of gold is brought from the treasury one hour prior to the ritual. The gold is then handed over to the puspalaka and daitapati priests on the chariots. The daitapati priests are responsible for adorning the Deities’ bodies with the gold ornaments. Millions of devoted pilgrims gather in Puri to witness the Suna Besha ritual, demonstrating their profound reverence.
All three deities are embellished with gold ornaments. Lord Jagannath and Balabhadra, with their divine forms, manifest hands and feet crafted from gleaming gold. In Lord Jagannath’s right hand, he gracefully wields a golden Chakra (disc), while in his left hand, he holds a silver conch, radiating an aura of celestial splendor. Lord Balabhadra brandishes a golden plough in his left hand and a golden mace in his right hand.
