Odisha: Lords Of Puri Jagannath Temple Attired In ‘Gaja Udharana Besha’ On Magha Purnima Today

Puri: Special arrangements are being made at the Jagannath Temple in Odisha’s pilgrim town of Puri on the occasion of ‘Magha Purnima’ on Saturday.

The sibling deities of the 12th century shrine will be adorned in special attire known as ‘Gaja Udharana Besha’ on the occasion of Magha Purnima.

The special attire of Gaja Udharana Besha of the Lords is done on the full moon day of the month of Magha. Gaja Udharana Besha depicts a story in the Puranas as to how Lord Vishnu saved an elephant from the attack of an Alligator.

As per tradition, the deities are adorned with Gaja Udharana Besha on the full moon day of Magha.

The Gaja-Uddharana Besha portrays the Vaishnava tale of Gajendra-Moksha. Lord Jagannatha rescues the elephant from the alligator in this spectacular costume on the full-moon day of Magha.

The Lord sits on Garuda with Lakshmi sitting on his lap. Curiously, this is the only occasion in the entire year when Lakshmi sits on his lap.

Shree Jagannatha, who is identified with Bishnu, wears this Besha to instill a sense of devotion.