Nabakalebara - Puri Jagannath Temple 2015

Nabakalebara  is an ancient ritual associated with most of the Jagannath Temples where the Idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra and  are replaced by a new set of Idols.This occurs usually for every 12 to 19 years.Last ceremony was done in the year 1996.

The Deities are made from a special type of Neem wood known as Daru Bramha. Nabakalebara of 2015 started with the Bana Jaga Jatra in the month of march.

According to some sastras and protocols followed in the temple there is provision of changing dietes particularly to sri jagannath. As they are made up of neem and musk,sandal wood and many other combinations they under go change of vigraha before the adhika ashada masam ends. They are not made up of stone or metal,as they made up of wood they  must be installed with new ones as per Rituals.

As per traditions of the temple priests worship Maa Mangala at the Kakatpur Mangala Temple. It is said the Goddess appears to them in their dreams revealing the location of the holy trees .

Lord Jagannath Daru features

·         The holy tree should have 4 main branches.

·         The bark of the Margo tree must dark in color.

·         There should be the sign of Sankha and Chakra.

·         There should be a cremation ground near the tree.

·         There should be an out hill near the tree and a snake hole at the roots of the tree.

·         Any birds' nest should not be there on trees.

·         The tree should be near the river or a pond or a crossing of the three ways or else to be surrounded by 3 mountains.

·         The tree should not stand alone but be surrounded preferably with the trees of Varuna, Sahada, and Belva.

·         There should be a temple dedicated to Shiva in the neighborhood.

·         There should be a hermitage or monastery nearby.

·         The holy tree should be free from Parasite plants and Creepers

Lord Balabhadra Daru Features

·         The holy tree should have Seven Branches.

·         The skin of the tree must be light brown or white color.

·         It should have a sign of plough and pestle etc.

·         Nearby tree there should be a hermitage and also a graveyard.

Goddess Subhadra Daru Features

·         Seven Branches should be present on the holy tree.

·         The skin of the tree should be light brown or white color.

·         It should have a sign of plough and pestle etc.

·         Nearby tree there should be a hermitage and a graveyard.

Daru of Lord Sudarshan

·         The holy Margo tree should have three branches.

·         The bark of the tree should be barkish.

·         The tree should have a sign of Chakra with a small depression in the middle.