Puri, Odisha: The presiding deities of Puri Jagannath Temple, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra, will be adorned in the rare Padmabesha today, a visually stunning and spiritually meaningful attire. This Besha is traditionally observed on the first Wednesday between Magha Shukla Pratipada and Shri Panchami (Saraswati Puja).
The Chaturdha Bigraha will be fully decorated with lotus flowers, prepared by skilled artisans from Badachhata Matha, who follow strict rituals, including consuming only Habishanna, ensuring purity and devotion in the creation of the attire. Materials used include Sola, Banana Patuka (fiber), Zari, Jambura, and natural colors.
This divine attire is worn only once a year during the Badasinghara ritual, after which the deities remain in Padmabesha until the Mangala Alati the following morning. The ritual also commemorates the devotion of Manohar Das, whose winter lotus offering was miraculously rejuvenated by Lord Jagannath, making the Padmabesha deeply significant for devotees.
Devotees can witness this rare and sacred form of the deities this evening, marking a moment of divine blessing and cultural heritage at the historic 12th-century shrine.
