Nagarjuna Besha of Lord Jagannath and his siblings, Goddess Shubhadra and Lord Balaram. is being held in Puri's Jagannath Temple after a span of 26 years. The last Nagarjuna Besha of Lord Jagannath was held in 1994. This year, the celebrations are muted due to the pandemic and the Odisha police have requested people not to gather in large numbers. The rituals are being performed in the presence of the temple officials and preparations began at 2 am. The Nagarjuna Besha rituals, which were scheduled to start at 4:45 AM, were delayed and began at 7 AM, according to local media reports.
In this 'besha' or form, the deities are decorated like a warrior honouring Parasurama, the warrior incarnation of Lord Vishnu in the holy month of Kartika.
Nagarjuna Besha includes special dresses, weapons and ornaments like Sri Bhuja, Sri Payara, Nakuasi, Karna Kundala prepared by the Chakrakot Khuntia servitors.
Nagarjuna Besha of Lord Jagannath: A look at the special weapons and dresses for Lord Jagannath
Devotees of Lord Jagannath have been posting beautiful pictures and greetings on Nagarjuna Besha. Sand artist Sudarshan Pattnaik post his stunning creation.
On Thursday, the administration in Puri had imposed Section 144 in parts of the city to stop people from gathering in front of the Jagannath Temple. The restrictions will continue till 'Bhesha Olagi' or removal of the attire after the completion of rituals, said Puri's sub-divisional magistrate, Bhabataran Sahu. Devotees will be allowed to view the 'Patitapabana' only after the conclusion of rituals, officials said.
Puri Jagannath Temple's Ratna Bhandar Reopened For Shifting Of Treasure East Coast Railway To Run Special Trains To Puri For Lord Jagannath's Rituals Were Snakes Guarding Puri Temple's 'Secret Chamber'? What High Court Judge Said Who Is Jasveen Sangha, "Ketamine Queen" Charged For Matthew Perry's Death "Don't Expect Anything From Me": Kolkata Hospital's New Principal Loses Cool Nurse Raped, Killed On Way Home, Body Found 9 Days Later In UP Manipuri Girl's 'Jana Gana Mana' Rendition Goes Viral, Wins Praise Online "Appreciate Nikki Haley's Advice But Will Do It My Way": Donald Trump Donald Trump Criticises Gaza Ceasefire Call, Wants Israel To "Win Fast" Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.