Raghunatha Besha

Raghunath Besha is a special attire of Lord Jagannath at the Jagannath Temple. In this besha, Lord Jagannath is dressed as Lord Rama, also known as Raghunath. The attire represents scenes and devotion related to the story of the Ramayana. Devotees see this besha as a symbol of righteousness, courage, and devotion.
In this Besha, Lord Jagannath reveals His form as Maryada Purushottama Rama.

When is Raghunatha Besha Observed?

In any year when Baishakha Shukla Navami falls on a Thursday with the Shravana Nakshatra, the Raghunath Besha of Lord Jagannath is performed.

History behind raghunath Besha:

This Besha was introduced by Ramanujacharya. Later, Gajapati Ramachandra Deva, in the 11th year of his reign, brought the deities to the Ratna Singhasana and declared himself the fourth Indradyumna. At the time of his coronation, gold Ramabhisheka coins were issued.
During that period, he spent a large amount of wealth to prepare various jewel ornaments, and for the first time he decorated the deities in the Raghunath Besha. Among all the Beshas of Mahaprabhu, this Besha was considered extremely beautiful and attractive.
However, for nearly 120 years this Besha has not been performed. According to the temple records, the last Raghunath Besha was held on 26 April 1905 (Thursday). A second attempt to revive this Besha was discussed in a meeting in 1983, but it was unsuccessful. Since then, devotees have not been able to witness the Raghunath Besha again.
According to available information, the Raghunath Besha has been performed only nine times.
Years when Raghunath Besha was performed:
1577 – Baishakha Krishna Dashami
1739 – Baishakha Krishna Dashami
1809 – 14th regnal year of Mukunda Deva II
1833 – 19th regnal year of Ramachandra Deva
1842 – 3rd regnal year of Bir Kishore Deva
1850 – Baishakha Krishna Chaturdashi
1893 – 14th regnal year of Mukunda Deva
1896 – 18th regnal year of Mukunda Deva
26 April 1905 (Thursday) – Shukla Navami

Special Features of Raghunatha Besha of Jagannath

Representation of Lord Rama
In this Besha, Lord Jagannath is decorated in the form of Rama, who is also known as Raghunath.
Rare and Special Besha
Raghunath Besha is very rare. It is performed only when Baishakha Shukla Navami falls on Thursday with Shravana Nakshatra.
Introduced by Ramanujacharya
The tradition of this Besha is believed to have been introduced by Ramanujacharya.
Royal Patronage
The Besha was later promoted by Gajapati Ramachandra Deva, who arranged special ornaments and decorations for the deities.
Beautiful Ornamentation
During this Besha, the deities are decorated with valuable jewels and ornaments, making it one of the most attractive and magnificent Beshas.
Very Few Occurrences
According to temple records, this Besha has been performed only about nine times in history.
Last Performed in 1905
The last Raghunath Besha was performed on 26 April 1905, and since then it has not been celebrated again.