Costumes of Lord Jaganatha

The Costumes or Vesas of Lord Jagannath symbolize various cultural and religious syntheses in the
shrine. Since he has been adopted by the tribal and Aryans of different faiths like Vaishnavism, Jainism,
Buddhism, Tantricism the three images are decorated in various ways in order to satisfy their spiritual
aspiration.Everyday from early morning to night the deities on the Ratnavedi wear different dresses
made of cotton and silken fabrics, Gold Ornaments studded with precious stones, flowers of different
varieties,tulsi leaves etc.Sandal paste,camphor and some times musks are used in the daily and periodical
rituals.A few important Veshas or costumes of the deities are mentioned below.
Abakash or Tadapa Uttari Besha This adornment is done every day after Mangala Alati for the abakash
rituals. Abakash means the brushing of teeth and bathing rituals of the deities.The clothes which are
worn by the deities for this purpose is known as 'Tadap' and 'Uttariya'.
Badasrunghara Besha This adornment is done everyday before the night pahuda. On the following
morning , lamp offering is done on this costume. This costume is mostly made of flowers of different
colours and species . The deities wear silk clothes called ' Khandua'.
An extract from the fam sanskrit poem 'Gita Govinda' of poet Jayadev is woven in the texture of this
'khandua'. Deities in this costume is very attractive to look at.
Suna Besha On the 11th day in the bright fortnight of Ashadha(June-July) this adornment takes place,
when the deities are in their respective chariots near the lion's gate.The deities are decorated with many
gold ornaments.They wear gold diadems and lord Jagannath and Balabhadra appear with hands and feet
made of gold. Lord Jagannath holds a gold Chakra(disc) in his right hand and a silver conch in the left
hand. Lord Balabhadra holds a gold plough in the left hand and a gold mace in the right hand. Thid
adornment is also done on festivals like Dashahara, Kartika Purnima and pausa purnima.
Bankachulia Besha This adornment is done on the 12th day of the bright fortnight of the month Kartika
(October-November). Deities in this costume is very beautyful to look at.
Nagarjuna Besha This adornment is occasionally done in the month of kartik(October-November),
when there are six days of 'Panchak'. The deities are dressed like warriers.
Gaja uddharana Besha This adornment is done in the full moon day of Magha(January-February) . This
adornment depicts a story in purans as to how Lord Bishnu saved an elephant from the attack of an
alligator.
Radha Damodar Besha This adornment takes place from the 11th day of the bright fortnight of
Ashwina(September-October) to kartik(October-November)