Today, on the auspicious Panchami of the bright Kartik month, thousands of devotees gathered at the Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri, to witness the rare Harihar Besha of Lord Balabhadra.
The special besha, or attire, began after the golden idols ritual. Lord Balabhadra was adorned by flower-carving servants to represent a fusion of Hari (Vishnu) and Har (Shiva).
In this spectacular form, the Lord wears clothes that are half white and half black, symbolizing the unity of the two deities. He is decorated with over 32 types of gold ornaments.
Significantly, this unique Harihar Besha of Lord Balabhadra is observed on the Monday following Diwali Amavasya (Kartik Amavasya) during the bright half of Kartik. Simultaneously, Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath appeared in the Radhadamodar Besha, completing the spiritual tableau for the devotees.