Nagarjuna Besha: Rainbow Crowns Puri Jagannath Temple As Deities Dress Up As Warriors

Puri: The rare Nagarjuna Besha of the sibling deities at Jagannath Temple was delayed by almost 3 hours and began at 7 am instead of 4.45 am following some dispute between Bhandar Mekap, Khuntia and Singhari servitors over the gold ornaments.

According to reports, controversy also erupted over the engagement of more number of servitors for the rituals. The Besha rituals finally began around 7 in the morning after the intervention of the temple administration.

Puri reverberated with the sounds of ghanta, kahali, mahuri, bells and ‘Jai Jagannath’ chantings as the special Naga attires for the Besha rituals arrived at the temple. After Abakash Niti, the deities were dressed up in the ritual called Mailam. 

The sky was decorated with a beautiful rainbow early on Friday morning as the rituals were underway.

SIGNIFICANCE

On this occasion, the Lords are dressed as Naga warriors with golden weapons, including arrows, bows, Hala (plough), Chakra (wheel), Musala (mace), dagger and knife, to commemorates the slaying of Shahasrajuna by Parasurama.

Also Read: ‘Nagarjuna Besha’: Lord Jagannath To Don These Costumes For The Warrior Look

This ritual is special because it is observed only in those years where ‘panchuka’, the last five days of the holy month of Karthika, is observed for six days. This event is being held after a gap of 26 years. It was earlier observed on November 26, 1963, November 26, 1966, November 16, 1967, and November 3, 1968. The sibling deities had last appeared in Nagarjuna Besha on November 16, 1994.

RESTRICTIONS

In view of COVID-19 pandemic, the rituals will be observed sans devotees in presence of servitors and temple officials this year.

Besides sealing the entry points to the Pilgrim Town, the Puri administration clamped Section 144 around Srimandir and a portion of Bada Danda (Grand Road) till Marichikot temple from 2 am of Friday to prevent huge congregations of devotees.

Also Read: After ‘No Entry’ Zone Order, Sec 144 Clamped In Puri For Nagarjuna Besha

Vehicular traffic will not be allowed beyond Marichikot temple.

Also Read: [Watch] Odisha Artist Creates Sand Animation On ‘Nagarjuna Besha’

Mobile phones are prohibited inside the temple.

A three-tier security is in place at Puri. A total of 25 platoons of police force have been deployed in the town, along with two Additional SPs, seven DSPs, 75 Officers and 250 Home Guards.

Also Read: 3-Tier Security For Nagarjuna Besha In Puri Jagannath Temple

RITUAL SCHEDULE 

Dwaraphita- 2 am (November 27)

Bhitarashodha- 2.20 am

Mangala Alati- 2.30 am

Mailama Lagi- 3 am

Tadapa Lagi-3.30 am

Abakasha Niti- 3.50 am

Mailama Lagi and Nagarjuna Besha- 4 am

Rosa Homa- 4.30 am

Surya Puja- 5 am

Dwarapala Puja- 5.15 am

Nagarjuna Besha Sesha- 7 am

Gopala Ballava Niti- 8 am

Sakala Dhupa and Bhoga Mandapa- 10.30 am

Bala Dhupa- 11.30 am

Bhoga Mandapa Sesha- 1.30 pm

Nagarjuna Besha and Mailama Lagi- 3 pm

Madhyanna Dhupa (only Kotha Bhoga)- 3.30 pm-5 pm

Dwitiya Kotha Bhoga- 4.30 pm-5.30 pm

Dakhini Ghara Bhoga- 5.30 pm

Mailama Lagi and Besha Lagi- 6 pm-7 pm

Sandhya Alati- 7.30 pm

Sandhya Dhupa (only Kotha Bhoga)- 8 pm-9.30 pm

Mailama Lagi- 10 pm

Chandana Lagi- 10.30 pm

Badasinghara Besha- 11.30 pm

Badasinghara Bhoga- 12 am

Pahuda- 12.30 am.

NAGARJUNA BESHA NEXT YEAR

According to some members of the Jagannath Temple Managing Committee, the Nagarjuna Besha of the Lords will be held in November next year. However, they said that the exact date of the rare ritual will be known only after the publication of the new almanac.

Also Read: Nagarjuna Besha In Puri Jagannath Temple To Be Held Next Year Too!