Brahma Padarth: A Mysterious and Fascinating Ritual in Jagannath Temple
SPIRITUALITY
Sahil Sharma
10/16/20232 min read
The Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, India, is one of the most revered Hindu temples in the world. It is home to the three deities Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra, who are worshipped as the avatars of Vishnu, Shiv, and Shakti.
Every 12 to 19 years, the Jagannath Temple undergoes a unique ritual called Nabakalebara, which literally translates to "new body." During this ritual, the old idols of the three deities are replaced with new ones.
The most mysterious and fascinating aspect of the Nabakalebara ritual is the transfer of the Brahma Padarth, or the "life force" of the deities, from the old idols to the new ones. The Brahma Padarth is believed to be a secret item that is kept hidden inside the old idols.
On the night of the Nabakalebara ritual, a group of four priests known as the Badagrahis enter the sanctum sanctorum of the temple and remove the Brahma Padarth from the old idols. They then transfer the Brahma Padarth to the new idols, which have been specially carved from nimba wood.
The transfer of the Brahma Padarth is a highly secretive process, and the Badagrahis are sworn to secrecy about what the Brahma Padarth actually is. Some people believe that it is a sacred relic, such as a tooth or a bone of Lord Krishna. Others believe that it is a symbolic representation of the divine spirit.
Whatever the Brahma Padarth may be, its transfer from the old idols to the new ones is a sacred and auspicious event. It is believed that the Brahma Padarth is what gives the idols their divine power and makes them worthy of worship.
Theories about the Brahma Padarth
There are many theories about what the Brahma Padarth actually is. Some of the most popular theories include:
A tooth or bone of Lord Krishna
Heart of Lord Krishna
A sacred stone or crystal
A symbolic representation of the divine spirit
A secret mantra or prayer
A combination of any of the above
However, the true identity of the Brahma Padarth remains a mystery. The Badagrahis are sworn to secrecy about what they see and touch during the transfer ceremony, and they are not allowed to speak about it to anyone.
The Significance of the Nabakalebara Ritual
The Nabakalebara ritual is a significant event for Hindus all over the world. It is a reminder that everything in the universe is subject to change. However, the ritual also affirms the eternal nature of the divine spirit.
The Nabakalebara ritual is also a celebration of the unity and diversity of Hinduism. It brings together Hindus from all walks of life to worship the three deities Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra.
If you are ever fortunate enough to witness the Nabakalebara ritual, it is an experience that you will never forget. It is a truly awe-inspiring and humbling sight.
