Why do the idols of Lord Jagannath change every 12 years? Know which wood is made from which wood statues are made
Mystery of Jagannath Temple: Sri Jagannath Temple of Puri located in the spiritual heart of India is not just a religious place, but a vibrant symbol of faith and tradition. This temple, which is dedicated to Lord Jagannath i.e. Shri Krishna, is one of the Char Dham of Hindus. Here Lord Krishna along with his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra are grand idols of the three. But there is a unique and mysterious tradition associated with this temple – the practice of converting these idols every 12 years. After all, what is the secret of this amazing change and which wood are made of these divine idols? Let’s know.
Why the idol changes in 12 years,
This tradition of changing the idols of Lord Jagannath is called ‘Navaklewar’. ‘Navaklewar’ literally means ‘new body’. Under this, new idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra and Sudarshan installed in the Jagannath temple are replaced by law and new idols are installed.
This question comes to mind that why only after every 12 years? The main reason for this is that Jagannath ji’s idols are made of wood and there is a fear of their decay naturally. They can deteriorate over time due to being made of wood. Therefore, to maintain their divinity and integrity, they are replaced every 12 years. This tradition has been going on since ancient times and has a deep message of spiritual harmony with nature.
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,Navaklewar, Secret tradition of
The tradition of ‘Navaklewar’ is performed in a very secret and holy way. In this entire process, special care of privacy is taken. The idols are changed at that time, the lights of the entire city are closed and dark everywhere. This is done because of which the process of replacing the idols can be kept confidential. While changing the idols, only one main priest is present there and a bandage is also tied in his eyes. This is done so that the process of replacing the idols remains completely confidential.
Neem wood is used in making idols of God
The choice of wood used for the manufacture of new sculptures is very important. These sculptures are specially made from neem wood.
The main priest and scholar of the Jagannath temple, Brahmins first choose the right trees for new idols. Many rules are followed in this election:
• Trees should be of neem only.
• They are at least 100 years old.
• Most important, they do not have any kind of defect. The tree should be considered healthy and sacred.
These chosen trees are cut after special rituals and brought to the temple. Then skilled craftsmen and priests together create these holy wood in the divine shapes of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra and Sudarshan. It is not just a statue construction, but a spiritual process, where divinity is given a new look through wood. Old idols are also honored with respect.
This tradition is not only the medium of conservation of the idols of God, but it is also a symbol of the eternal truth of life, change and renewal. Lord Jagannath, who holds a new body every 12 years, teaches us that change in life is the only stable thing.
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