Gaja Udharana Besha is a profoundly significant tradition observed in the worship of the divine Deities, particularly in the sacred land of Jagannath Puri. According to the meticulous research conducted by Padmasri Sadasiva Rath Sharma, this elaborate adornment of the Deities occurs on the auspicious occasion of the full moon day of Magha, falling typically within the months of January and February. Its origins trace back to the illustrious queen Smt. Bakula Mahadevi, from the esteemed Bhomya dynasty, who introduced this ceremonial embellishment. However, despite its noble inception, there came a period where this Besha fell out of practice for a time.
It wasn’t until the year 1575 when King Ramachandra Deva revived the tradition and reinstated the Gaja Udharana Besha to its rightful place of reverence. Legend has it, as per the Puranic narratives, that Sri Jagannath, in his divine grace, rescued a votary elephant from the clutches of a monstrous crocodile. This heroic act became immortalized in the annals of sacred lore, further cementing the significance of the Gaja Udharana Besha in the hearts of devotees.
The observance of this majestic Besha unfolds on the full moon day of Magha, following the completion of dinner and mailam rituals. This sacred ceremony is meticulously orchestrated with the assistance of revered custodians such as Bhitarachhu, Talichhu, Puspalaka, Nijogi Khuntia, and Mekaap, who ensure every aspect of the adornment is executed with utmost precision and devotion.
During the Gaja Udharana Besha, the divine Deities are bedecked with resplendent regalia, including ornate crowns, divine earrings symbolizing Surya and Chandra, waist belts exuding regal splendor, as well as an array of intricately crafted hand bangles and bracelets representing sacred conch shells, chakras, gadas, padmas, halas, and musalas. Each element of this opulent attire holds profound symbolic significance, encapsulating the divine attributes and benevolent presence of the revered Deities.
Witnessing the Gaja Udharana Besha is believed to bestow upon devotees a plethora of auspicious blessings, invoking a sense of sacred reverence and spiritual fulfillment in those who behold it with a pure and devout heart. Thus, this timeless tradition continues to enrich the spiritual tapestry of Jagannath Puri, serving as a poignant reminder of divine grace and eternal devotion for generations to come.
ଓଡ଼ିଆ ଭାଗବତ ।। ଅଷ୍ଟମ ସ୍କନ୍ଧ ।। ତୃତୀୟ ଅଧ୍ୟାୟ ।। ଗଜେନ୍ଦ୍ର ଉବାଚ
ପଦ୍ମ ଗୋଟିଏ ଘେନି ହସ୍ତେ । ଉର୍ଦ୍ଦେ ଚାହିଁଲା ଶୂନ୍ୟପଥେ ।।
ବେଗେ ନମିଲା ଶୁଣ୍ଢ ତୋଳି । ଦେଖନ୍ତେ ପ୍ରଭୁ ବନମାଳୀ ।।
ଚକ୍ର ବିରାଜେ ଦକ୍ଷକରେ । ସୂର୍ଯ୍ୟ କି ଉଦିତ ଅଙ୍କରେ ।।
ଡାକଇ ଆରତଭଞ୍ଜନ । ଭୋ ନାଥ ରଖ ମୋ ଜୀବନ ।।
