Odisha: Deities in Puri Srimandira attired with Gaja Uddharana Besha on Magha Purnima
Puri: On the occasion of Magha Purnima Tithi the Gaja Uddharana Besha of the deities in Srimandira in Puri of Odisha is being performed today.
Based on mythical folktale Gajaraj was attacked by a crocodile upon which Gajaraj prayed the Lord to save its life. Pleased with its devotion Gajaraj was rescued by the Lord from the trap of the crocodile. The famous Gaja Uddharana Besha is performed as per this folktale.
This besha is performed after the Dwipahar Dhupa. The uniqueness of this Besha is that Shree Jagannatha and Lord Balabhadra can be seen with four hands and Devi Subhadra with two hands and two legs. The chatuhastadhari Shree Jagannatha could be seen seated on a Garuda in Padmasana posture.
In this Besha Shree Jagannatha holds Sankha, Chakra, Gada and Padma made of thermocol. Shree Balabhadra could be seen holding Sankha, Chakra, Gada, Padma and Mushala.
Ms Kalinga