Trivikrama Besha of Lord Jagannath
On the thirteenth day (Trayodashi) of the waxing phase of the Kartika month, the Trivikrama or Adakia Besha of the deities is observed at the Shree Jagannath Temple. This special adornment takes place in the early morning after the deities’ resting rituals are completed. The Pushpalaka Sevakas (flower servitors) perform this particular decoration.
In the Adakia Besha, wigs (chul) are placed on the heads of Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra. These wigs are made using materials like sola (a type of plant pith), kana (a kind of grass), bamboo, jambira (citron), and kaitha leaves. On these wigs, golden ornaments known as “Kia” are artistically placed in the back portion. Similarly, a golden crescent is fixed at the top of Subhadra’s head and on the crowns of the other two deities.
Along with this, as on the previous day, the deities are adorned with various golden ornaments such as the plough, mace, conch, discus, and patta garments, presenting them in the form of Trivikrama or Adakia Besha. It is believed that this besha is highly revered in the Atibadi Sampradaya (a Vaishnavite sect founded by Atibadi Jagannath Das).
Many followers, disciples, and Mahantas (heads) of the Panchasakha and Atibadi Sampradayas consider it a great fortune to witness this beautiful attire of the Lords.
There is a subtle distinction between Adakia (standing) and Thiaakia Besha. In the Thiaakia Besha, the golden wig is not long but placed towards the back, while in the Dalikia Besha, golden “Kia” leaves are attached to the leaves of the sola wig. The golden ornaments in this besha are affixed to the wigs crafted from sola, kana, bamboo, jambira, and kaitha leaves, which are worn on the heads of Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra. A golden crescent is also fixed at the end of the wig.
Subhadra is also decorated with a single golden crescent, though unlike her brothers, she is not adorned with a wig but with a golden crown. Additionally, both sides of the mouths of all three deities are adorned with a pair of golden “Kada-Kani” (cheek ornaments).
In this besha, garlands such as Ghagada Mali, Barakoli Mali, Padma Mali, Gini Mali, and Padaka Mali are also worn by the Lords. Furthermore, the deities are embellished with other ornaments including the Maha Prabhu’s traditional garlands, sacred feet decorations (Shri Payer), sacred hands (Shri Hasta), and divine weapons.
