Nabakalebara and brahma paribartan- The sacred tradition of renewal at jagannath temple

In the coastal town of Puri, Odisha, lies the centuries-old Jagannath Temple, home to one of the most revered deities in India—Lord Jagannath. Every 12 to 19 years, a grand and sacred ritual known as “Nabakalebara” takes place, where the wooden idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra, and Sudarshan Chakra are renewed through a transformative process. At the heart of this ceremony is the spiritual act of “Brahma Paribartan,” or the transfer of divine energy, which symbolizes both rebirth and renewal.

The Nabakalebara Ritual: A Change of Form

The term Nabakalebara translates to “new body.” This ritual involves replacing the old wooden idols with new ones, carefully carved from sacred neem trees, known as Daru Brahma. The search for these trees, which are chosen based on specific divine signs, is an elaborate process itself. However, the most mystical and significant part of the ceremony is the Brahma Paribartan—the transfer of the divine essence or “Brahma” from the old idols to the new.

Performed in secrecy, this sacred event is led by select priests known as Daitapatis. The ritual takes place in the dead of night, with the entire town of Puri plunged into darkness to maintain the sanctity of the ceremony. It is said that no one, apart from the designated priests, can witness this transfer of divine energy, which happens behind closed doors. The entire atmosphere is charged with devotion, spirituality, and a sense of awe.

The Spiritual Significance: Renewal and Rebirth

The Nabakalebara ritual is not just about changing the idols; it symbolizes the cycle of life, death, and renewal. Much like the universe undergoes periodic change, so do the forms of the deities. Lord Jagannath’s change of form signifies the eternal truth of transformation and adaptation in life. It teaches us that change is not only inevitable but also necessary for growth and spiritual evolution.

Devotees believe that through this ritual, Lord Jagannath himself demonstrates the importance of embracing change and moving forward. Just as the divine essence is transferred to new bodies, life too moves in cycles, with every end leading to a new beginning.

The Legacy of Nabakalebara: Recent Developments

The most recent Nabakalebara was held in 2015, witnessing millions of pilgrims flocking to Puri to participate in the divine event. The temple administration has been actively preparing for future Nabakalebara ceremonies, making efforts to ensure a smoother and more spiritual experience for devotees. With each iteration, this ritual brings fresh energy and renews the collective faith of millions of devotees.

This ancient tradition continues to inspire, reminding us that change is the only constant and that every transformation holds the potential for a new and better beginning. Lord Jagannath’s Brahma Paribartan reminds us that accepting change leads to personal and spiritual growth.

watch full video here:

The post Nabakalebara and brahma paribartan- The sacred tradition of renewal at jagannath temple appeared first on CliQ INDIA.