Puri, Oct 14: A large number of devotees on Monday visited the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri to see the enchanting ‘Radha Damodar Besha’ of the deities, adorned in unique attire. This special adornment symbolizes the divine pastimes of Lord Sri Krishna with Goddess Radharani.
In this ritual, Lord Jagannath is dressed as Damodara, reflecting the attire of Lord Krishna, while Goddess Radha is adorned as Rai, following due permission from Goddess Laxmi. During this period, the deities are offered Bala Bhoga.
The Radha Damodar Besha is observed from Aswina Sukla Ekadasi tithi—the 11th day of the bright fortnight in the month of Aswina—to Kartika Sukla Dasami tithi, the 10th day of the bright fortnight in Kartika.
Lord Jagannath will be adorned as Damodara after the completion of daily rituals, including Mangal Aalati, Mailam, and Tadhapalagi, followed by the Radha-Damodar besha and the Gopal Ballabh offerings for both morning and afternoon sessions. These rituals will continue to be performed daily throughout the month.
This sacred ceremony celebrates the adoring Rasa Leela of Radha and Krishna. The same attire will remain in place until the end of Kartik, as devotees worship Lord Jagannath as Krishna-Damodara during this period. The month of Kartik is also recognized as the Radha Damodara Month, dedicated to this divine love story.
