The costumes or Vesas of Lord Jagannath symbolize various cultural and religious practices and events that are synthesized in the 12th century Jagannatha shrine. Every day from early morning to night, the Deities on the Ratnavedi wear different dresses made of cotton and silk fabrics, gold ornaments studded with precious stones, flowers of different varieties, tulsi leaves, and other opulent paraphernalia. Sandal paste, camphor and sometimes musks are used in the daily and periodic rituals. The sevaks of temple who dress the Deities with clothing and flowers each day are known as Puspalaks or Singharis.
In different parts of the country the counting system of months in a year follows the English calendar, beginning with the month of January through December, whereas in the Bengali calendar the months begin after the first day of the solar month. In Orissa, the calendar months begin after the full moon day. In Bengal and Orissa the calendar the months are as follows:
JESTH (May – June)
ASHADHA (June – July)
SRAVAN (July – August)
BHADRAV (August – September)
ASHWINA (September – October)
KARTIKA (October – November)
MARGASIRA (November – December)
PAUSA (December – January)
MAGHA (January – February)
FALGUNA (February – March)
CHAITRA (March – April)
Following are a number of the most important Veshas of the Deities:
BADASINHAR VESHA
(pictured above)
This adornment is done every day before the night pahuda. At the time of going to sleep, the Vesha of the Deities is known as Badasinhar Vesha. Every day and night, all the demigods and goddess come down from the heavenly planets to witness this floral sentiment of love for the Supreme Lord Jagannatha.
On the following morning, a lamp offering is done on this costume. Bada Srungar Vesha is mostly comprised of flowers of different colours and species. The Deities wear silk clothes called khandua. An extract from the famous Sanskrit poem, Gita-Govinda of poet Jayadev is woven into the texture of this khandua. In this costume, the Deities are extremely attractive to look at.
ABAKASH VESHA or ABHISEK VESHA
Abakash Vesha is done early every morning after Mangal Arati of the Deities, for the Abakash rituals (system of bath). At this time the Deities wear Tadapa (napkins), which have a white and orange colour border cloth measuring 16′ x 4′, along with Uttariya (Salwar). Then the Deities take teeth brushing, tongue cleaning and bathing in front of a mirror by Panchamrita (milk, curd, ghee, sugar and honey). This system is known as Abakash or Abhisekh Vesha (Bath Decoration).
Changing Of Colour Of Dresses
The changing colour of dress is a reminder for worshippers of the Deity that Lord Jagannath is the Master of all the planets. From Sunday to Saturday, He changes seven colours of dresses, representing His dominion as Master of all planets:
SUNDAY – Red dress
MONDAY – White with black-spotted dress
TUESDAY – Mixture of five colours dress
WEDNESDAY – Green colour dress
THURSDAY – Yellow colour dress
FRIDAY – White colour dress
SATURDAY – Black colour dress
SADHA VESHA
Sadha Vesha is the normal costume of the Deities, which they wear five times in a day, especially after each food offering. This Vesha is done with silken clothes and flower garlands.
CHANDAN VESHA
(Sacred Basil decoration)
Chandan Vesha is done for 42 days, every third bright day of the month Baisakh (April-May) starting from Akhyatritiya day. Faring, sandal paste oil on the body of Deity and decoration of flowers (Chula, Alaka, Topar) is known as Chandan Vesha . The first 21 days from Akhyatritiya are known as ‘outer Chandan yatra’, and the second 21 days are known as ‘inner chandan yatra’. In the first 21 days beginning from Akhyatritiya, the Lord Madan-mohan, representative of Lord Jagannath, along with Sree Devi (Laxmi) and Bhudevi (Saraswati) ascending on Biman, Ram and Kirhsna in a palki along with local Sivas (Jameswar, Loknath, Kapal-mochan, Markandeswar and Nilkanth) go in procession to the Narendra Tank for a bath and boat journey pastime.
RAGHUNATH VESHA
(Purusottam Sri Ramchandra)
Raghunath Vesha is a royal Vesha. On the 9th bright day of Baisakha (April-May), which is known as Sree Ram Navami, the Deities are decorated with Lord Jagannath as Purusottam Lord Ramachandra, Lord Balabhadra as Lord Laxman, and Goddess Mahalaxmi as Goddess Sita. To the left side of Lord Ram Chandra his two brothers, Bharat and Satrughan, stand holding the umbrella and Chamar (tail of a yak) in their hands. On the right side of Lord Ram stands Lord Balabhadra (Laxman), Lord Brahma and the saint Basistha. On the lap of Lord Jagannath (Purusottam Ram) sits goddess Laxmi, while Hanuman stands by with folded hands, along with his army like Angada with Chamar. Jambaban, Bibhisan, Mala, Mila, Gabaya, Gabakhaya with their hands folded are also there. All these murtis are made of thermocol on the Ratnavedi. Goddess Subhadra sits separately, decorated pompously with golden ornaments. Such pompously decorated style is known as Raghunath Vesha (Ram Abhisekh). In this Vesha gold, silver, ruby, precious stones, etc. are used, so it is called the ornamented sentiment of the Lord. Since 1905 such Vesha has not been conducted in Sri Mandir.
RUKMINI HARAN VESHA
(Rukmani’s marriage)
The Rukmani marriage ceremony is celebrated every year on the 11th bright day of the month of Jeistha (May-June). On that day, Sree Krishna (Madan-mohan), representative of Lord Jagannath, married with Rukmani (Goddess Laxmi). On this day Lord Jagannath dresses in Baula Pata to look like a bridegroom. This Vesha is known as Rukmani Haran Vesha.
SUNA VESHA
(Gold Ornament Decoration)
On the 11th day in the bright fortnight of Ashadha (June-July) this adornment takes place, when the Deities are in their respective chariots near the Lion’s Gate. The Deities are decorated with gold ornaments. Lord Jagannath and Balabhadra appear with hands and feet made of gold. Lord Jagannath holds a gold chakra in his right hand and a silver conch in the left hand. Lord Balabhadra holds a gold plough in the left hand and a gold mace in the right hand. This adornment is also done on festivals like Dashahara, Kartika Purnima and Pausa-purnima. Out of all Veshas, the golden ornaments decoration is most attractive.
On 10th bright day of the month of Aswmin (October) which is known as BIJOYADASMI, Lord Jagannath appears before devotees like a sovereign empereer by dressing all gold and Jewls.
On the 12th bright day of the month of Asadha (July), when the Deities return to Srimandir after completing the car festival, they ARE decorated with all gold ornaments.
On the full moon day of the month Cartika (November), the Deities are decorated with gold ornaments inside the temple.
On the full moon day of Phalguna (March), the Deities are also decorated with gold ornaments known Sunavesa.
In Suna Vesha the golden ornaments are used as follows:
Sri Hasta – Golden Hands
Sri Payar – Golden feet
Sri Mukuta – Golden big crown
Sri Mayur Chandrika – A golden peacock feather used by Lord Jagannath as Sri Krishna’s headpiece
Sri Chulapati – A golden ornament worn traditionally on the forehead to increase the beauty of the face
Sri Kundal – Golden earring of hanging round ball type
Sri Rahurekha – A half-square shaped golden aura around the face of the Deities
Sri Mala – Necklaces with several designs made of gold
The shapes of the ornaments are as follows:
SEVATI MALA – Shaped like a small Sunflower
AGASTI MALA -Moon Shaped flower design
KADAMBA MALA -Kadamba flower design (Round ball shape)
KANTE MALA -Big gold beads design
MAYUR MALA -Shaped like peacock feathers
CHAMPA MALA -Shaped liked yellow Champa flower
Sri Chita – An ornament representing the third eye of the Lord. On a golden plate there are eight precious gems and in the center is found a pure jewel. On the middle point at Sri Chita of Lord Jagannath there is a precious diamond, which is represent the Swatik (duality of nature marked by ignorance) and on the forehead of Ma Subhadra, a panna (emerald) represents the Raja quality (the second of the three natural qualities of jivatmas). When all three Deities come out from Srimandir on the occasion of Deb Snana Purnima, these original jewels were kept in Srimandir. After returning to the temple the original chitas (jewels) are again placed on forehead of the Deities on the day called Chita Lagi Amabasya day.
Sri Chakra – Golden Wheel
Sri Gada – Golden bludgeon
Sri Padma – Golden lotus
Sri Sank – A silver conch
HATI OR GANAPATI VESHA
On the full moon day in the month of Jyestha (May-June), Deb Snana Purnima falls. This is one of the famous festivals of Lord Jagannath out of the thirteen major festivals at Srimandir. On this day the Deities come down from the ratnavedi to snan-mandap to give darshan to the devotees. The Deities used to take practical bath on this day. After the bathing ceremony is over, the Deities are decorated in the shape of elephants. Black materials are supplied by Gopal Tirtha Matha and Ragabdas Matha of Puri, with a request of devotee Sri Ganapati Bhatta. This Vesha is well known as Hati Vesha (Elephant dressing).
NAVAYOBAN VESHA
(Decoration Of Adolescence)
After taking bath, the Deities were considered ill and were treated for 15 days in the Anawasar (Leisure) Room. On the New moon day of Ashadh(June-July), the Lord comes out in His fresh young Form to give darshan to his beloved devotees. This Vesha is known as Nabayaban Vesha.
CHITA LAGI AMABASYA VESHA
On the new moon day of the month Sravan (July-Aug), the Deities wear their respective forehead ornaments (Chita). This is known as Chitalagi Amabasya Vesha.
BANABHOJI VESHA
On the 10th day of dark Bhadraba (Aug-Sept), the Banabhoji Vesha is continuing in Srimandir. The Deities are dressed as if going to attend a picnic, like cowherd boys. In Krishna lila, Lord Krishna and his elder brother Balaram and a group of cows went out into the forest for a picnic. Reminding of this pastime, Banabhoji Vesha is still continuing in Srimandir. This Vesha is very beautiful.
KALIYA DALANA VESHA
On the 11th day of dark Bhadraba (Aug-Sept) the Kaliya Dalana Vesha is celebrated in Srimandir. In Krishna lila it is narrated that in Dwarpa yuga, Lord Sri Krishna defeated the notorious cobra named Kaliya, who was living in the waters of the Yamuna river, and saved the villagers of Gopa. Lord Jagannatha is dressed like Lord Krishna in this pastimes, which is known as Kaliya Dalan Vesha.
PRALAMBASURA BADDHA VESHA
The 12th day of dark of Bhadraba (Aug-Sept) is celebrated as the Pralambasura Baddha Vesha, and celebrates the killing of a demon named Palambasura by Balabhadra. From the 16th century AD this Vesha has continued at Srimandir, as it is mentioned in Madala Pariji (history of Raja Bhoj). Lord Balabhadra wears the decoration known as the Palambasura Baddha Vesha.
KRISHNA BALARAM VESHA
On the 13th day of dark Bhadraba (Aug-Sept), Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra are decorated as Sri Krishna and Balaram, respectively. This is not an ancient Vesha, but has been going on for just the last 55 years or so. In this Vesha, Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra are decorated with two extra hands and Goddess Subhadra is decorated with extra four hands (chatur-bhuja). Two hands are for offering protection and the other two hands are for holding rope and Ankush. This Vesha is also known as Ram-Balaram Vesha.
BALI BAMAN VESHA
On the 12th bright day of the month of Bhadraba (Aug-Sept), Lord Vishnu (Jagannath) acts as the embodied Form of the dwarf brahmin Vamanadev.
RAI-DAMODAR or RADHA-DAMODAR VESHA
From the 11th day of the month of Ashwena (Sept-Oct) until the 10th bright day of the month of Kartik (Oct-Nov) is known as Radha-Damodar month. In these days Lord Jagannath is decorated as Damodar (Sri Krishna). Permission is obtained from Sridevi (Laxmi). The Lord here is worshiping along with Radha. This Vesha is known as Rai-Damodar Vesha, or Radha-Damodar Vesha.
Harihara Vesha
There are two Veshas which take place outside the Jagannatha Puri Temple, while the remaining 18 Veshas take place inside the temple on Ratna Bedi, where the deities take their seats. All these Veshas of the deities are linked with different events of His incarnations, and particularly His pastimes as the Supreme Lord Krishna. The Lord’s Veshas draw the attention of countless devotees and visitors every year and the Deities look so beautiful that one cannot help but be enamored by the lotus eyes of Lord.
HARIHARA VESHA
(Vishnu and Shiva decoration)
After the new moon day until the full moon day in the month of Kartika (Oct-Nov), on Monday Lord Balabhadra is decorated with half black and half white, like Hari-Hara.
LAXMI-NARAYANA VESHA
On the 11th bright day of the month of Kartik (Oct-Nov), after abhishek the Deities are decorated with Laxmi-Narayan Vesha and gold ornaments. On Their heads are placed golden crowns with charming Thiakias. In this Vesha, Lord Jagannath holds a conch shell of silver and the Sudarshan Chakra (the wheel) made of gold. Lord Balabhadra holds the plough and shovel. This Vesha is very dear to the Bishista-daityabad caste of devotees. It is also believed that Ramanujacarya was very pleased with this Laxmi-Narayan Vesha. In his day, he used to give a grand feast to Sri caste devotees to celebrate the Lord’s Laxmi-Narayana Vesah.
BANKA-CHUDA VESHA
On the 12th bright day of the month of Kartik (Oct-Nov) Ekadasi, the Deities are decorated with gold ornaments. When Akrur came to Gopa from Mathura to take Sri Krishna by the order of King Ansha, at that time he saw the Lord was decorated with Banka-Chuda Vesha. Since ancient times this Banka-chuda Vesha is continuing as the memory of this occasion. In this Vesha, Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra are decorated with chandanika-chula on the left side, braid on top, and a golden kia setting especially on the forehead of Lord Jagannath. A small crown is also set. In this decoration the Lord looks like a dwarf. This Vesha is very dear to Atibari caste devotees.
TRIBIKRAM VESHA or ADA KHIA VESHA
On the 13th bright day of the month of Kartika (Oct-Nov), this Vesha was started by the Alibadi caste. Lord Jagannath is Master of the three spheres of the universe. In this Vesha, the Lord is given heroic dress with a gold sword, conch shell, wheel and club, and a gold crown with kia on His head.
LAXMI-NRSIMHA VESHA – Dal Kia
On the 14th bright day of the month Kartik (Oct-Nov), Lord Jagannath is decorated with gold ornaments and dressed as Sri Nrsimhadeva, the half-man, half-lion incarnation. This Vesha celebrates the Satya yuga incarnation with vanda chula and golden kia.
NAGARJUNA VESHA
This Vesha is occasionally done in the month of Kartika (Oct-Nov), when there are six days of Panchaka. Their Lordships are dressed like warriors. In the recent past, this Vesha has been done in 1966, 1967, 1968, 1993, and 1994.
RAJRAJESWAR VESHA
In Padam Purana Uttara-khand it is narrated that in the month of Kartika (Oct-Nov), from the 11th bright day to full moon day, the decoration of the Deities is known as Raj Rajeswar Vesha.
SRADHA VESHA (DEATH CEREMONY)
On the 14th dark day, new moon day, and 1st bright days of the month Margasir (Nov-Dec), Lord Jagannath offers a death ceremony and lamps in respect of his fathers Nanda (foster father), Basudeva (father in “Dwapar yuga), and Dasarath (father in Treta yuga). In these days Lord Jagannath wears clothing that is plain white with a small yellow border. It is also known as Dev-Deepavali. The full moon day of the month Margasira is known as Pandu Purnima. At this Sradha time Lord Jagannath wears white silk cloth of 8 yards long, 1½ yards wide, bordered with printed pictures in red colour. Lord Balabhadra wears white silk cloth that is 7 yards long, 2 yards wide with a black colour border, and Goddess Subhadra wears white silk cloth of 6 yards long, 2 yards wide with yellow colour border.
GHODALAGI VESHA
On the 14th dark day, new moon day, and 1st bright days of the month Margasir (Nov-Dec), Lord Jagannath offers a death ceremony and lamps in respect of his fathers Nanda (foster father), Basudeva (father in “Dwapar yuga), and Dasarath (father in Treta yuga). In these days Lord Jagannath wears clothing that is plain white with a small yellow border. It is also known as Dev-Deepavali. The full moon day of the month Margasira is known as Pandu Purnima. At this Sradha time Lord Jagannath wears white silk cloth of 8 yards long, 1½ yards wide, bordered with printed pictures in red colour. Lord Balabhadra wears white silk cloth that is 7 yards long, 2 yards wide with a black colour border, and Goddess Subhadra wears white silk cloth of 6 yards long, 2 yards wide with yellow colour border.
GHODALAGI VESHA
From the 6th bright day of the month Margasira (Nov-Dec) to 5th bright day of the month Magha (Jan-Feb), i.e. Odarsasthi to Basant Panchami for a total of 36 days, Ghodalagi Vesha takes place. As the winter season proceeds, the Deities are covered in velvet clothing. This Vesha is known as standing Ghoda Lagi Vesha.
JAMA LAGI VESHA
From the 5th bright day of Magha (Feb) to the 10th bright day of Phalgun (March), i.e. Basanta Panchami to Dola Purnima, when winter goes down the Deities wear modified Ghoda, i.e. Jama (shirt). It is known as Jama Lagi Vesha. All these Jamas (shirts) are made of coloured silk colour cloth. In this time the Deities wear 30 pieces of gold ornaments and 4 pieces of Patas, measuring 2 yards by 11/2 yards.
PAUSA ABHISEKH
(Suna Vesha)
On the moon day of the month Pausa (Dec-Jan), the Deities are said to have been installed in Srimandir. To mark the occasion, after Abhisekh the Deities are decorated in royal dressing, wearing gold ornaments and garlands with sweet fragrant flowers, as Lord Jagannath looks like an emperor. During the time of Bhoga puja on Ratnavedi, Bhitarcha Mahapatra stands beside the Lord holding the cloth umbrella, like Laxman and Bhandora Mekapa are holding the root of the umbrella as Hanuman and three Palia Puja Pandas complete Bhoga Puja with sixteen upachar. This decoration known as Pausa Abhisekh.
PADMA VESHA
(Lotus Flower Decoration)
On the 11th bright day of the the month Magha (Jan-Feb), this Padma Vesha has been continuing in Srimandir for the last three hundred years. The lotus is the symbol of intelligence, meditation, efforts for success, deviation and indifference to universal matters. Lord Jagannath Himself is the brightness of all hearts’ lotus, so he is called Padma Lochana (Lotus Eye God).
Nowadays these Vesha materials are supplied by the Badachata Matha. The entire decoration of Padma Vesha is done by skilled artists. The lotus flower, bud of lotus prepared with sola sraft, silver, golden threads, plant thread, cotton cloth, gum of wood apple and colours are used. In particular, they makes three masks with petals of cotton and hair affixed to the masks. In both hands They hold Kadamba flowers. This Padma Vesha is done at the Bada Singhar (bedtime) Vesha of the Deities. This is the only day when the Deities go to sleep with Padma Vesha. It is very attractive, and the loveliest Vesha of the Deities. This also marks the beginning of spring, when Lotus flowers are abundant.
GAJA UDDHARANA VESHA
(Elephant Saving)
On the full moon day of Magha (Jan-Feb), the Gaja Uddharan Vesha is done. This Vesha depicts a story in the Puranas as to how lord Vishnu saved Gajendra, the devotee elephant, from the attack of an alligator in Varuna Lake. This Vesha is has been celebrated in Srimandir for as long as history has been recorded there. Some devotees believe that this Vesha has been held since the time of King Ramchandra Dev, in 1575. All the Vesha material is made of Sola craft. Lord Jagannath is sitting on Garuda. The elephant and crocodile are in fighting positions in the water, under Ratnavedi. This Vesha is very attractive to the devotees.
NABANK VESHA
Before one day of the topic of Capricorn (Makara), this Nabank Vesha is done alone with a rice and flowers festival. At evening time the Deities wear huge of Tulasi garlands and tulasi chula on the head, with the help of Palia Singharis and Palia Khuntia. In this Vesha, Lord Jagannath has dressed as Nayak, a lover or beloved. The dresses are long cloth with red colored borders, folded over the heads of the Deities in such an attractive way that the red border frames their face. This vesha was started by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu at the time of his staying at Puri. Nabank means nine types or stages of devotion, hearing of God and repeating the name of God.
CHACHERI VESHA
From the 10th bright day of the month of Phalgun (Feb-Mar) to 14th Phalgun (5 days), on Ratnavedi the Deities are decorated with Chacheri Vesha. In this Vesha, the Deities are wearing red clothes and red flowers. The devotees get boundless joy from seeing this Vesha.
RAJA VESHA
The full moon day of Phalgun (Feb-Mar) is known as Dol Purnima. On this day, Lord Jagannath appears like a Raja (sovereign emperor) by wearing different gold ornaments. The Deities wear silk patas, with gold saree pada (feet), Sri Hasta (gold hands) holding silver conch shell and golden wheel. Lord Balabhadra holds a golden plough and golden shovel in this Vesha. The daily decoration of the Deities in Srimandir is mainly done by the worshippers known as Palia Singharis, Palia Makeup, and Palia Khuntia.
