The article discusses the Naba-kalebara, a significant ritual in Puri, Odisha, where the presiding deity Jagannatha, along with his siblings Subhadra and Balabhadra, undergoes a process of death and rebirth. This event occurs every 14 to 19 years during an extra month in the traditional calendar, with the last occurrence in 1996. The ritual involves finding specific neem trees marked with certain signs, which are then carved into new idols. A special ceremony transfers the 'Brahma-padartha' (soul-substance) from the old idols to the new ones, leading to the old images' burial in a sacred site. The temple has a rich syncretic history, reflecting influences from tribal, Buddhist, and various Hindu traditions. It operates as a Vaishnava shrine, with priests from different castes performing rituals, although it restricts entry to non-Hindus. The resilience of the temple is highlighted, noting historical desecrations yet its continued significance. The article emphasizes the unique blend of traditions and the cultural importance of the Jagannatha temple and its rituals.

by Devdutt Pattanaik in English Magazine

Writen by Devdutt Pattanaik

Category Magazine