Kotpad 1st February 2025 In a phased manner, Mahaprabhu will give darshan to devotees in the Padma Besha (Lotus Attire) on the upcoming Saturday. Under the supervision of the Badachhata Math, the traditional temple artisans, after observing the sacred food (Havishanna), have devotedly engaged in the preparation of the Padma Besha. On the night of February 1st (Saturday), Mahaprabhu will be adorned in this rare Padma Besha as part of the Bada Singhara Besha.
According to legend, Mahaprabhu Jagannath had once appeared in this attire before Saint Manohar Das prior to Bhadra Shukla Shree Panchami. Following this tradition, the rare Padma Besha will be performed at the Shree Jagannath Temple on Saturday, February 1st.
Under the guidance of the Badachhata Math, the temple’s traditional artisans are meticulously engaged in creating this sacred attire. The preparation for the Padma Besha began from Purnima (Full Moon day). Materials like sola, zari, jambuara, kaitha wood, bamboo, cane, and various types of beads are used to craft the attire. Skilled tailors and painters are also involved in this intricate process. The required sola is collected, cut, and layered together to form the lotus-shaped facial adornment of Mahaprabhu. Various elements like hand-shaped lotus carvings, swans, garlands, the throne, tree decorations, and other intricate designs are now reaching their final stages, as per the temple artisans.
Vesakar Basanta Kumar Rana stated, “According to legend, in the 12th century, Saint Manohar Das, during winter, collected lotus flowers from a pond in his garment and brought them as an offering to Mahaprabhu. However, by the time he reached the temple, the flowers had withered, and the temple priests turned him away. Heartbroken, he collapsed unconscious near the Badachhata Math. That night, Gajapati Maharaja received divine instructions from Mahaprabhu in a dream, commanding that the lotus flowers brought by the devoted saint be used for adorning Him. Following this divine order, Mahaprabhu was decorated with the Padma Besha using the flowers brought by Manohar Das. In remembrance of this event, the Padma Besha tradition continues annually. Since then, under the direction of the Gajapati Maharaja, the Badachhata Math has been responsible for providing the required materials for this sacred attire each year.”
On the upcoming Saturday, devotees will have the divine darshan of Mahaprabhu in the Padma Besha. At night, Mahaprabhu will be adorned in the Bada Singhara Besha, incorporating the exquisite Padma Besha.