Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has planned to arrange new ornaments for the presiding deities of Puri Jagannath temple. This was revealed by Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan today.

“The servitors of the 12th century shrine have been urging the authorities to arrange new ornaments for Suna Besha and other rituals of sibling deities. The state government has initiated process in this regard. But, everything depends on the wish of Lord Jagannath. If the Lord has the wish to wear new ornaments during, then there will not be any hindrances in this regard,” said the Law Minister.

The Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee had earlier held discussions for arranging new gold and silver ornaments for the deities. The issue has also been discussed at the highest level with the presence of the Chief Minister, he added.

“If things go as per the plan, new ornaments for the deities will be made by next year. The ornaments being used for the Suna Besha ritual are old ones. They have undergone wear and tear. So, the servitors are pleading for new ornaments for the deities. Once there are new ornaments for the deities, the old ones will be displayed for the devotees at the shrine,” said the Law Minister.

As per the tradition, Suna Besha ritual of the deities is conducted five times in a year. The deities are adorned with the Golden Attire four times in a year inside the sanctum sanctorum of Srimandir while the ritual is held once on the chariots during the annual Ratha Jatra.

Servitors of the shrine decorate the deities with gold ornaments including Sri Hasta (golden hand), Sri Payar (golden feet), Sri Mukuta (golden crown), Sri Mayur Chandrika (golden peacock feather), Sri Kundal (golden earring), Sri Rahurekha (golden aura) and Sri Mala (gold necklace) as part of the Suna Besha ritual.

It is believed that Suna Besha ritual of the deities was introduced during the reign of Gajapati King Kapilendra Deb in 1460. Kapilendra Deb had donated huge quantities of gold and silver ornaments to Srimandir after conquering several kingdoms during his rule in Odisha.