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Gaja Uddharana Besha Of Jagannath On Magh Purnima In Puri Temple

The famous Gaja Uddharana Besha is adorned on Shree Jagannath in Puri Temple on Magha Purnima tithi (the full moon day in Magh month - February). This Besha depicts the epic story of how Bhagavan Vishnu saved a helpless elephant (Gajendra) from the clutches of a crocodile.

In the time of yore an elephant was attacked by a ferocious crocodile. Finding no other way to save his life, this animal implored the mercy of Vishnu. Its sincere prayers immediately moved Vishnu to compassion and He hurled His disc to cut the attacking alligator into pieces.

Shree Jagannatha, Who is identified with Vishnu, wears this Besha to inspire a sense of devotion to the grace of god.

This story is famous throughout India as Gajendra Moksha and shows the power of devotion.