2018 - Shree Jagannath Nabakalebara | Commemorative Coin

The first commemorative coin of 2018 was released to celebrate the Shree Jagannath Nabakalebara Festival.

Shree Jagannath Nabakalebara is one of the most sacred and extraordinary rituals observed at the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha. Occurring roughly once every twelve to nineteen years, the festival marks the divine rebirth of Lord Jagannath, along with Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Sudarshan. It is a profound spiritual event in which the old wooden idols of the deities are replaced with newly carved ones, symbolizing the eternal cycle of life, death, and regeneration.

The preparation for Nabakalebara begins long before the actual ceremony, with the search for the sacred neem trees, known as Daru, out of which the new idols will be carved. This search, called Banajaga Yatra, is undertaken by a team of selected servitors and priests who follow ancient traditions and signs described in the scriptures to identify the holy trees. Each chosen neem tree must possess specific divine marks, and the selection process itself is considered a deeply spiritual journey.

Once the sacred trees are identified, elaborate rituals are performed before the logs are brought to the temple. Skilled artisans belonging to the Maharanas of Puri undertake the task of carving the new idols, adhering to age-old techniques passed down through generations. During this period, the temple remains filled with devotion and spiritual intensity as sacred chants and traditional prayers accompany the work.

The transformation ceremony, called Brahma Parivartan, is the most mystical and secretive ritual of the festival. It involves transferring the Brahma Padartha—a mysterious soul-like essence—from the old idols to the new ones. This ritual is performed behind closed doors, in complete secrecy, in the middle of the night, as per strict traditional guidelines. The moment marks the symbolic rebirth of the deities.

Following the transformation, the new idols are decorated in grand splendour, and the old idols are respectfully buried in a designated sacred space called Koili Baikuntha within the temple premises. Devotees eagerly await the Netrotsav ceremony, where the newly carved and consecrated deities are unveiled for darshan. This moment draws millions of pilgrims from across India and abroad, who travel to Puri to witness this rare and divine occurrence.

Nabakalebara is not just a ritual but a deep expression of faith, heritage, and continuity. It embodies the belief that the divine, though eternal, renews itself for the welfare of humanity. The festival reinforces Odisha’s rich spiritual traditions and the timeless devotion surrounding Lord Jagannath, the presiding deity of the state. Its grandeur, sanctity, and cultural richness make the Nabakalebara Festival a profound event that continues to inspire reverence and devotion among millions.

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