The 32 Beshas of Lord Jagannath

32 Beshas of Lord Jagannath ଜଗନ୍ନାଥଙ୍କ ବେଶର ନାମ (Besha ବେଶ, meaning “attire” or “costume”) are an important part of the ritualistic and cultural tradition of the Jagannath Temple, Puri. Each Besha carries deep spiritual meaning, linked to Hindu mythology, Vaishnava philosophy, local traditions, and temple history. These Beshas are adorned either daily, occasionally, or on special festival days, symbolizing different forms and leelas of the Lord.

1. Abakasha Besha (Daily Morning Attire)

When: Every morning after Mangala Arati.
Description: Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are adorned after their ritualistic bath and brushing of teeth. They are dressed simply in fresh cloth.
Significance: Symbolizes cleanliness, daily ablutions, and preparation for the day. Reflects the human-like activities of the Lord.

2. Mailama Besha

When: After the Abakasha rituals.
Description: The deities are dressed with cloth and ornaments received from devotees.
Significance: Represents humility — the Lord accepts whatever His devotees offer.

3. Sradha Besha

When: During Shraddha rituals.
Description: The deities wear a sober attire resembling that worn during ancestral homage.
Significance: Shows that the Lord also respects ancestors and upholds dharma.

4. Chandan Besha

When: On Akshaya Tritiya (April–May).
Description: Deities are smeared with sandalwood paste and decorated with flowers.
Significance: Marks the beginning of Chandan Yatra, symbolizes coolness during summer, and the soothing nature of divinity.

5. Ganesh Besha

When: On Ganesh Chaturthi (August–September).
Description: Lord Jagannath is dressed in the form of Lord Ganesh with elephant-like ornaments.
Significance: Symbolizes that all deities reside in Jagannath, and He manifests as all gods.

6. Haladi (Turmeric) Besha

When: Occasional ritual days.
Description: The Lords are smeared with turmeric and dressed in yellow cloth.
Significance: Turmeric symbolizes purity, auspiciousness, and healing.

7. Lakshmi Besha

When: During Lakshmi Puja or Thursdays dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi.
Description: Jagannath is dressed as Goddess Lakshmi with ornaments.
Significance: Reflects the Lord’s oneness with Shakti.

8. Naba Jaubana Besha

When: After Snana Purnima (bathing festival, June).
Description: After the deities recover from “Anasara” (fortnight-long rest due to fever after bathing), they appear with a youthful look.
Significance: Symbolizes rejuvenation, youth, and new life.

9. Suna Besha (Golden Attire)

When: Five times a year — notably after Rath Yatra on the chariot, Kartik Ekadashi, Dussehra, etc.
Description: Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are adorned with gold ornaments, weapons, and crowns.
Significance: Symbolizes the Lord as the universal king (Rajadhiraja).

10. Krishna Balaram Besha

When: On Kartika Purnima.
Description: Jagannath is dressed as Krishna and Balabhadra as Balaram.
Significance: Celebrates the bond of the divine brothers.

11. Radha Damodara Besha

When: During the month of Kartika (October–November).
Description: Jagannath is dressed as Krishna with Radha.
Significance: Devotion of Radha-Krishna emphasized in Vaishnavism.

12. Gaja Uddharana Besha

When: Magha Shukla Panchami.
Description: Jagannath is dressed as Vishnu saving elephant king Gajendra from the crocodile.
Significance: Shows the Lord as protector of devotees in distress.

13. Padma Besha

When: Any Friday in Kartika month.
Description: Deities are decorated with lotus flowers.
Significance: Lotus symbolizes purity and divine creation.

14. Gajanana Besha/Gaja Besha/Hathi Besha

When: Special rituals in Kartika.
Description: Deities dressed with elephant-themed ornaments.
Significance: Symbolizes royal and divine strength.

15. Bagha Besha (Tiger Attire)

When: On Dashahara (Bijaya Dashami).
Description: Jagannath and Balabhadra dressed in tiger-skin-like attire.
Significance: Symbolizes fierce protector form of the Lord.

16. Banabhoji Besha

When: Kartika month.
Description: Jagannath is dressed as Krishna enjoying picnic in Vrindavan forest.
Significance: Relates to Gopala Krishna’s leela with cowherd friends.

17. Kaliya Dalana Besha

When: Bhadraba Krushna Ekadashi.
Description: Jagannath is dressed as Krishna defeating serpent Kaliya.
Significance: Symbolizes triumph over evil.

18. Pralambasura Badha Besha

When: In Shravan month.
Description: Jagannath dressed as Krishna killing demon Pralamba.
Significance: Illustrates Lord’s role as destroyer of adharma.

19. Krishna Balaram Besha (Alternative)

When: On Rukmini Harana Ekadashi.
Significance: Reenactment of Krishna and Balarama leelas.

20. Bankachuda Besha

When: Falguna month, Amavasya.
Description: Jagannath appears as Krishna defeating demon Bankachuda.
Significance: Protects devotees from ego and arrogance.

21. Bhanda Besha

When: Chaitra month.
Description: Jagannath is dressed with warrior-like attire.
Significance: Reflects preparation for cosmic war against evil.

22. Govardhana Dhari Besha

When: Kartik Shukla Pratipada.
Description: Jagannath is dressed as Krishna lifting Govardhan mountain.
Significance: Protection of devotees against Indra’s wrath (ego).

23. Nagarjuna Besha

When: Rare — observed when Panchuka (last 5 days of Kartika) has 6 days. Last held in 2020.
Description: Jagannath is dressed as warrior Arjuna/Nagarjuna with weapons.
Significance: Symbolizes Lord as divine warrior and protector.

24. Rajadhiraja Besha

When: During Rath Yatra return (Bahuda Yatra).
Description: Lords dressed as emperors.
Significance: Showcases Jagannath as King of the Universe.

25. Raghunatha Besha

When: During Kartika month.
Description: Jagannath is dressed as Lord Rama.
Significance: Shows unity of Vishnu’s avatars.

26. Harihara Besha

When: On Ekadashi in Kartika.
Description: Combination of Vishnu (Hari) and Shiva (Hara).
Significance: Unity of Shaivism and Vaishnavism.

27. Tribikrama Besha/Bali Vamana Besha

When: Shravan Purnima.
Description: Lord as Vamana taking giant form Trivikrama to subdue Bali.
Significance: Represents dharma’s victory.

28. Jamadagni Besha (Parashurama)

When: On Akshaya Tritiya or special occasions.
Description: Jagannath dressed as Parashurama.
Significance: Symbolizes warrior ascetic avatar of Vishnu.

29. Chacheri Besha

When: On Holi (Falguna Purnima).
Description: Lords dressed with flowers, sandalwood, and colors.
Significance: Celebration of Holi with Krishna’s rasa leela.

30. Krishna Leela Besha

When: Janmashtami.
Description: Jagannath is dressed as baby Krishna with ornaments.
Significance: Marks Krishna’s birth celebration.

31. Radha Krishna Besha

When: During Kartika month.
Description: Jagannath takes Krishna’s form, while Subhadra appears as Radha.
Significance: Symbol of supreme bhakti and divine love.

32. Shakra Besha

When: During rituals connected to Indra (rare).
Description: Lord Jagannath is dressed as Indra, the king of gods.
Significance: Shows Jagannath as supreme over all devas.