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The Costumes or Vesas of Lord Jagannath symbolize various cultural and religious syntheses in the
shrine. Everyday from early morning to night the deities on
the Ratnavedi wear different dresses made of cotton and silken fabrics, Gold Ornaments studded
with precious stones, flowers of different varieties, tulsi leaves etc. Sandal paste, camphor and
some times musks are used in the daily and periodical rituals.
The sevaks of temple who dress the deities with clothing and flowers are known as
Puspalaks or Singharis.
In different parts of the country the counting system of months in a year such as in english
calendar its begins from the month of January to December, where as in Bengali calendar the month
are starting after the first day of solar month but in Orissa calendar months are starting after
full moon day. In Bengal and Orissa calendar the months are starting as follows :
[1] BAISAKH ( April - May ) ;
[2] JESTH ( May - June ) ;
[3] ASHADHA ( June - July ) ;
[4] SRAVAN ( July - August ) ;
[5] BHADRAV ( August - September ) ;
[6] ASHWINA ( September - October ) ;
[7] KARTIKA ( October - November) ;
[8] MARGASIRA ( November - December ) ;
[9] PAUSA ( December - January ) ;
[10] MAGHA ( January - February ) ;
[11] FALGUNA ( February - March ) ;
[12] CHAITRA ( March - April ).
A few important Veshas or costumes of the deities are mentioned below. (Click the Names to know more...).
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BADASINHAR VESHA |
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This adornment is done everyday 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 God and Goddess are came down from heaven to witness this floral sentiments of love of the Supreme.
On the following morning , lamp offering is done on this costume.
Bada Srungar Vesha is mostly of flowers of different colours and species. The deities wear silk clothes called 'Khandua'. An extract from the fam sanskrit poem 'Gita Govinda' of poet Jayadev is woven in the texture of this 'khandua'. Deities in this costume is very attractive to look at.
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ABAKASH VESHA or ABHISEK VESHA |
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Abakash Vesha is done every early morning after Mangal Arati (sessation) of the deities, for the Abakash rituals (system of bath). In this time the deities wear "Tadapa" (napkin), which are white and orange colour border cloth measuring 16' * 4' along with "Uttariya" (Salwar). Then the deities take theeth brushing, tongue clearning and then bathing in front of a mirror by PANCHAMRUTA (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 reminding to the deities of the reality nature of Lord Jagannath as HE is the master of all PLANETS, so from Sunday to Saturday HE changes seven colours of dresses, it represents HE is the master of all planets.
SUNDAY - Red colour 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
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SADHA VESHA |
Sadha Vesha is the normal costumes of deities which they wear five times in a day, especially after each food offering. This Vesha is done with silken clothes and flower garlands.
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CHANDAN VESHA (Sacred basil decoration ) - (In MAY) |
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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 . First 21 days from Akhyatritiya are known as "outer Chandan yatra" and second 21 days are known as "inner chandan yatra". In first 21 days begining from Akhyatritiya the Lord Madanmohan representative of Lord Jagannath along with Sreedevi (Laxmi) and Bhudevi (Saraswati) assending on Biman, Ram and Kirhsna in a palki along with local Sivas (Jameswar, Loknath, Kapal mochan, Markandeswar and Nilkanth) goes in procession to Narendra Tank for bath and boat journey.
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RAGHUNATH VESHA (Purusottam Sri Ramchandra) - (In MAY) |
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Raghunath Vesha is a royal Vesha. The 9th bright day of Baisakha (April-May) which known as Sree Ram Navami, the deities are decorated as 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 & Satrughan are standed holding umbrella and Chamar (tail of a yak) in there hands. On the right side of Lord Ram stand Lord Balabhadra (Laxman) , Lord Brahma & saint Basistha .On the lap of Lord Jagannath (Purusottam Ram) sits goddess Laxmi with Hanuman standing with folded hand along with his army like Angada with Chamar. Jambaban, Bibhisan, Mala, Mila, Gabaya, Gabakhaya with their hands folded also. All these status 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 ornamented sentiment of Lord. Since 1905 such Vesha is not conducted in Sri Mandir .
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RUKMINI HARAN VESHA (Rukhmani's marriage) |
The Rukmani marriage ceremony is celebrated every year on the 11th bright day of the month Jeistha (May-June). On that day Sree Krishna (Madan mohan ) representative of Lord Jagannath married with Rukmani (Goddess Laxmi). In this day Lord Jagannath dressed in BAULA PATA to look like a bride groom. This Vesha is known as RUKMANI HARAN VESHA.
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SUNA VESHA - (Gold Ornament Decoration) |
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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(disc) 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. Thid adornment is also done on festivals like Dashahara, Kartika Purnima and pausa purnima. Out of all Vesha 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 12th bright day of the month of Asadha (July) when the deities returrn to srimandir after completing the 'car festival', they decorated with all gold ornaments.
- On full moon day of the month Cartika (Novvember) the deities are decorated with gold ornaments inside thetemple.
- on the full moon day of Falguna (March) the deities also decorated with gold ornaments known sunavesa.
In Suna Vesha the golden ornaments are used as:
1. Sri Hasta - Golden Hand
2. Sri Payar - Golden feet
3. Sri Mukuta - Golden big crown
4. Sri Mayur Chandrika - A golden peacock feather used by Lord Jagannath as Sri Krishna head piece.
5. Sri Chulapati - A golden ornament worn traditionally on the forehead to increase the beauty of the face.
6. Sri Kundal - Golden earring of hanging round ball type.
7. Sri Rahurekha - A half square shaped golden aura around the face of the deities.
8. Sri Mala - (Necklaces with Several Design made of gold)
PADAM MALA -Lotus Shaped
SEVATI MALA -Shaped Like Small Sun Flower
AGASTI MALA -Moon Shaped flower desgin
KADAMBA MALA -Kadamba Flower Design (Round ball shape)
KANTE MALA -Big Gold Beads Design
MAYUR MALA -Shaped in Peacock feathers
CHAMPA MALA -Shaped liked Yellow champa Flower
9. Sri Chita - It is representing the third eye of Lords. On a Golden plate there are eight precious gems and in the center it 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 wuality of nature marked by ignorance) and on the fore head of Ma Subhadra a panna (emerald) represent the Raja quality(the second of the three natural qualities of creatures). When all three deities comes out from Srimandir on the occasion of DEB-SNANA PURNIMA these original jewels were kept in Srimandir. After return to temple the original chitas(jewels) are again placed on forehead of the deities on the day called CHITA LAGI AMABASYA Day.
10. Sri Chakra - Golden Wheel
11. Sri Gada - Golden bludgeon
12. Sfi Padma - Golden lotus
13. Sri Sank - A silver conch
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HATI OR GANAPATI VESHA |
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On the full moon day in the month of Jyestha (May-June), Deb-snanpurnima falls. This is one of the famous festival of Lord Jagannath out of thirteen festivals in Srimandir. On this day the deities are come down from ratnavedi to snan-mandap to give darshan to the devoties. On this day the deities used to take practical bath. After the bathing cerimony over the deities are decorated in the shape of elephants as in black materials are supplied by Gopal Tirtha Mathaand Ragabdas Math of Puri with a request of devotee Sri Ganapati Bhatta. This vesha is well known as Hativesha (Elephant dressing).
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NAVAYOBAN VESHA (Decoration Of Adolescence) |
After taking bath, the deities were considered ill and were treated for 15 days in ANAWASAR (For Leisure) ROOM. On the Newmoon day of Ashadh(June-July) the deities are come out like fresh young form to give darshan to his beloved devotees.This Vesha is known as NABAYOBAN VESHA.
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CHITA LAGI AMABASYA VESHA |
On the new moon day of the month Sravan(July-Aug) The Deities wear their respective fore-head ornaments (chita). This is known as Chitalagi Amabasya Vesha.
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BANABHOJI VESHA |
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On the day of 10th day of dark Bhadraba(Aug-Sept) this Banabhoji Vesha is continuing in Srimandir. The deities are dressed as if going to attend a picnic, like cowherd boys. In ancient time it is narrated in Krishnalila that Lord Krishna with his elder brother Balaram and group of cows had gone to the forest for picnic. Reminding this view Banabhoji Vesha is still continuing in Srimandir. This vesha is very beautiful and attractive.
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KALIYADALANA VESHA (In August) |
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On the 11th day of dark Bhadraba(Aug-Sept) the Kaliyadalan Vesha is celebrated in Srimandir. In Krishnalila it is narrated that in Dwapar yuga Lord Srikishna had defeated the notorious cobra named "Kaliya" who was living in the water of Yamuna river and saved the villagers of Gopa. Lord JAGANNATH is dressed like Lord Krishna. This vesha is known as Kaliyadalan vesha.
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PRALAMBASURA BADDHA VESHA |
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The 12th day of dark of Bhadraba (Aug-Sept) is celebrated as the Palambasura Baddha vesha. In the Krishnalila (Dwapar yuga) to celebrate the killing of a demon named Palambasura by Balabhadra, the elder brother of Lord Krishna. From the 16th century AD this vesha or decoration is still continuing in Srimandir as it is mentioned in Madala Pariji (history of Raja Bhoj). Lord Balabhadra wears this decoration known as the Palambasura Baddha vesha.
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KRISHNA BALARAM VESHA (In August) |
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On the 13th day of dark Bhadraba(Aug-Sept) Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra are decorated as SriKrishna and Balaram respectively. But this is not an ancient vesha. Perhaps this vesha is going on in Srimandir since 54 years. In this vesha Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra are decorated with two extra hands and Goddess Subhadra is decorated with extra four hands (chaturbhuja). Two hands for protection against fear and in other two hands holding rope and Ankush. This vesha is also known as Ram-Balaram vesha.
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BALI BAMAN VESHA |
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On the 12th bright day of the month of Bhadraba(Aug-Sept) Lord Vishnu (Jagannath) act of embodying the form of a dwarf-brahmin and pressed demon king Bali to Patal (beneath the earth). Lord Jagannath is dressed like "Bamana" (dwarf). Bamana is the fifth incarnation of Lord Bishnu. This vesha is known as Bali Baman vesha in the memory of the incident.
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RAI-DAMODAR or RADHA-DAMODAR VESHA - (In September) |
On the 11th day of the month of Ashwena(Sept-Oct) to till 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 (Krishna). In these days after obtaining permission from Sridevi (Laxmi). Lord here is worshiping along with Radha. This vesha is known as Rai-Damodar vesha.
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LAXMI-NARAYANA VESHA (LAXMI AND VISHNU) (In November-Thiakia) |
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On the 11th bright day of the month of Kartika (Oct-Nov) after abhishek the deities are decorated as Laxmi Narayan vesha. The deities are also decorated with gold ornaments. On their heads golden crowns charming with Thiakias. In this vesha Lord Jagannath holds conch shell of silver and the sudarshan chakra (the wheel) made of gold, Lord Balabhadra holds plough and shovel. This vesha is very dear to Bishista-daityabad - caste of devotees. It is also believed that Ramanucharya was pleased with this Laxmi Narayan vesha. In that day he used to give a grand feast to Sri caste devotees.
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BANKA-CHUDA VESHA (In November) |
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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 saws 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 decorated with chandanika-chula in left side, braid on top and a golden kia setting specially 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.
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TRIBIKRAM VESHA or ADA KHIA VESHA |
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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 three spheres of the universe; Heaven, Hell and Earth. In this vesha Lord is given heroic dress with gold sword, conchshell, wheel and club on the head gold crown with kia.
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LAXMI NARASINGHA VESHA - Dal Kia |
On 14th bright day of the month kartik (Oct-Nov) Lord Jagannath decorted with gold ornaments and dressed as half Lion to celebrate his carnation as Satya yuga, on head along with vanda chula and golden kia.
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NAGARJUNA VESHA |
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This vesha is occasionally done in the month of Kartika (Oct-Nov), when there are six days of "Panchaka". The lords are dressed like warriors. In the recent past, this vesha has been done on 16.11.1994. The previous four dates were 26.11.1993, 3.11.1968, 16.11.1967 and 26.11.1966.
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RAJRAJESWAR VESHA |
In Padampuran uttarakhand it is narrated that in the month of Kartika (Oct-Nov) from 11th bright day to fullmoonday the decoration of the deities is known as Raj Rajeswar vesha.
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SRADHA VESHA (DEATH CEREMONY) |
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The 14th dark day, new moon day and 1st bright days of the month Margasir (Nov-Dec), Lord Jagannath offer death ceremony and torching lamps in respect of his fathers Nanda(foster father), Basudeva(Father) in "Dwapar yuga" and Dasarath in "Treta yuga". In these days Lord Jagannath wears plain white with small yellow border clothing. It is also known as DEV-DEEPABALI. The full moon day of the month Margasira is known as 'Pandu Purnima'. At this Sradha time Lord Jagannath wears white silk cloth of 8yds long 1½ yrds wide border with printed pictures in red colour, Lord Balabhadra wears white silk cloth 7 yrds long, 2 yrds wide with black colour border and Goddess Subhadra wear white silk cloth of 6 yrds long, 2 yrds wide with yellow colour border.
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GHODALAGI VESHA - (In December) |
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From 6th bright day of month Margasira (Nov-Dec) to 5th bright day of month Magha(Jan-Feb) i.e. 'Odarsasthi' to 'Basant Panchami' total 36 days Ghodalagi Vesha taken place. As winter season the deities are covered in velvet clothing except faces. This vesha is known as standing Ghoda Lagi Vesha.
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JAMA LAGI VESHA |
From 5th bright day of Magha(Feb) to 10th bright day of Falgun(March) i.e. 'Basnta Panchami' to 'Dola Purnima' when winter go down the deities wear modified 'Ghoda' i.e. Jama(shirt). It is known as Jamalagi Vesha. All these Jamas(shirts) are made of silk colour cloth. In this time the deities wears 30 pcs of gold ornaments and 4 pcs of Patas measuring 2yrds * 11/2 yds.
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PAUSA ABHISEKH (Suna Vesha) |
On the moon day of month Pausa (Dec-Jan) it is believed that on this day the deities were installed in Sree Mandir . To mark the occasion after 'Abhisekh' the deities are decorated in Royal dressing wearing gold ornaments, garlands with sweet fragrance flower as Lord Jagannath looks like an emperor. During the time of Bhoga Puja on Ratnavedi Bhitarcha Mahapatra standing beside Lord holding the cloth umbrella like Laxman and Bhandora Mekapa holding the root of umbrella as Hanuman and three 'Palia Puja Panda' complete Bhoga Puja with sixteen upachar. This decoration known as Pausa Abhisekh.
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PADMA VESHA (Lotus Flower Decoration) |
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On 11th bright day of the month Magha (Jan-Feb) this Padma Vesha is continuing in Sree Mandir
since last three hundred years. Lotus is the symbol of intelegence, meditation, efforts for
success, Act, deviation and indifference to universal matter. Lord Jagannath is Himself is the
brightness of all hearts lotus. So he is called "Padma Lochana" (Lotus Eye God). Now-a-days this
Veshas materials are supplying by the 'Badachata Matha'. The entire decoration of Padma Vesha
done by the skilled artists. The lotus flower, bud of lotus prepared with sola sraft, silver,
golden threads, plant Whread, cotton cloth, gum of wood apple and colours are used. Specially
they makes three masks with petal of cotton and hairs are fixed with masks. In both hands holding
KADAMBA FLOWERS. This padma vesha is done at the BadaSinghar (bed time) vesha of the deities.
This is only one day when the deities went to sleep with Padma vesha. It is very attractive and
the lovliest vesha of the deities. This being the beginning of spring when Lotus flowers are abundant.
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GAJA UDDHARANA VESHA ( Elephant Saving ) - (In February) |
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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 Bishnu saved an devoti elephant from the attack of an
alligator on BARUNA LAKE. This Vesh is celebrating in Sree Mandir since long period as it is
recorded. Some devotees believe that this vesha is holding in Sri Mandira by the king Ramchandra
Dev on 1575. All the veshas material is made of Sola craft. The Lord Jagannath is sitting on
Garuda. The elephant and crocodile are in fighting position in water under Ratnavedi. This vesha
is very attractive to devotees.
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NABANK VESHA |
Before one day of the topic of Capricorn (Makara) this NABANK vesha is done alone with rice and
flowers festival. At evening time the deities wears huge of Tulasi garlands and tulasi chula on
head by 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 border. It is
also folded over the heads of the deities in such an attractive way that the red border frames on
their face. This vesha was started by Sri Chatyana 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.
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CHACHERI VESHA |
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From 10th bright day of the month Falguna (Feb-Mar) to 14th Falgun (5 days) on Ratnavedi the deities are decorated with Chacheri vesha. In this vesh the deities are wearing red clothes and red flower. The devotees get boundless joy to see this vesha.
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RAJA VESHA |
The full moon day of Falgun (Feb-Mar) is known as Dol Purnima. On this day Lord Jagannath appears
like a RAJA (Sovereign Emperor) by wearing different gold ornaments. The diaties wear silk patas,
with gold saree pada(feet), Sri Hasta(gold hand) holding silver crunch shell and golden wheel.
Lord Balabhadra holds golden plough and golden shovel in this vesha. The daily decoration of
deities in sree mandir in mainly done by the worshippers 'Palia Singharis', 'Palia Makeup' and 'Palia Khuntia'.
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BADASINHAR VESHA
ABAKASH VESHA
SADHA VESHA
CHANDAN VESHA
RAGHUNATH VESHA
RUKMINI HARAN VESHA
SUNA VESHA
HATI OR GANAPATI VESHA
NAVAYOBAN VESHA
CHITA LAGI AMABASYA VESHA
BANABHOJI VESHA
KALIYADALANA VESHA
PRALAMBASURA BADDHA VESHA
KRISHNA BALARAM VESHA
BALI BAMAN VESHA
RAI-DAMODAR or RADHA-DAMODAR VESHA
HARIHARA VESHA
LAXMI-NARAYANA VESHA
BANKA-CHUDA VESHA
TRIBIKRAM VESHA
LAXMI NARASINGHA VESHA
NAGARJUNA VESHA
RAJRAJESWAR VESHA
SRADHA VESHA
GHODALAGI VESHA
JAMA LAGI VESHA
PAUSA ABHISEKH
PADMA VESHA
GAJA UDDHARANA VESHA
NABANK VESHA
CHACHERI VESHA
RAJA VESHA
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