Lakshmi Nrusingha Besha

Today, on the auspicious occasion of Kartika Shukla Chaturdashi in the holy month of Kartika, the Chaturdhamurti (the four divine images) will be adorned in the Lakshmi Nrusingha Besha upon the Ratna Singhasana (bejeweled throne). This adornment takes place after the deities’ ‘Abakasha Niti’ (morning ritual).

For Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra, two decorative stalks (‘Dali’) made of zari (thread of gold/silver), cane, and cloth are attached to the top of their heads along with a ‘Chula’ (head ornament). Rows of flowers made from sola pith and zari are attached to these stalks and the ‘Chula’. In the middle of this, a ‘Subarna Kia’ (a golden ketaki flower-shaped ornament) is tucked in. A single ‘Bala’ (bracelet-like ornament) placed on the ‘Shrimukha’ (holy face) holds the entire Besha in place. Other gold ornaments used in different Beshas are also worn during this one. In the ‘Dalikia Besha’ (another name for this attire, referring to the stalks), garlands like ‘Maali’, ‘Padaka Maali’ (locket garland), and ‘Tabija Maali’ (amulet garland) are used. Ornaments for the arms (‘Shree Bhuja’) and feet (‘Shree Payara’) are also put on. Their divine weapons—Shankha (conch), Chakra (discus), Hala (plough), and Musala (pestle)—are also part of the adornment.

Goddess Subhadra is also bedecked with many gold ornaments in this Besha. A golden crown (‘Kireeta’) is placed on her head. On this day, an ‘Agyanmaala’ (a garland of consent) arrives for the deities from the Chakranrusingha temple in Shreekshetra (Puri). The King of Nepal, the Shriramdas Matha, and the Badachhata Matha provide support for this Besha. This particular adornment of Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath establishes him as Lord Nrusingha. The Besha remains on the deities until the completion of the Gopala Ballabha, Bala Bhoga, and Sakala Dhupa rituals.

According to the Skanda Purana, Mahaprabhu first appeared in the form of Nrusingha. All rituals related to his ‘Navakalevara’ (the periodic recreation of the wooden idols) are performed with the Nrusingha mantra. In essence, Jagannath is Nrusingha, and this Besha is done to demonstrate this tradition.

As per the Skanda Purana, due to King Indradyumna’s prayers, the ‘Darumurti’ (wooden idol) consecrated by Lord Brahma shed its fierce, radiant form and assumed the form of a calm Nrusingha. Goddess Kamala (Lakshmi) resided on the lotus of his heart. His two eyes shone brightly like the sun and the moon. Two of his hands were adorned with the Chakra and the Pinaka (Shiva’s bow). His other two hands, extended over his knees, had the divine beauty of two lotuses. Seated comfortably within a thirty-two-petalled lotus, which is the embodiment of the Omkara syllable, the Lord observed the lotus face of Goddess Kamala and laughed heartily. His entire body was illuminated with gem-studded ornaments, and he was seated in a yogic posture. Baladeva, holding the Hala (plough), stood behind him, spreading his thousand-hooded serpent canopy like an umbrella. King Indradyumna was overjoyed upon seeing this form of the Lord. It is likely that this context of Jagannath is taken into consideration for the Lakshmi Nrusingha Besha. It is very difficult to say since when this Besha has been observed.