Objectives:

Objective 1: To identify the location and understand the spiritual significance of Koila Vaikuntha, including its role in the Nabakalebara ceremony of Lord Jagannath.

Objective 2: To explain the sacred traditions associated with Koila Vaikuntha, including the ceremonial burial of the previous Deities and the crafting of the new wooden forms (Daru Vigrahas).

LOCATION AND IMPORTANCE

Objective 1: To identify the location and understand the spiritual significance of Koila Vaikuntha, including its role in the Nabakalebara ceremony of Lord Jagannath.

Koila Baikuntha – it is in the western portion of the Jagannath Temple between the outer and inner walls. It is approachable from the northern gate (Elephant Gate).

During the Nabakalebara ceremony, Jagannath, Baladeva and Subhadra are carved anew and the old murtis are buried in specially prepared sacred pits, which occurs every 12 to 19 years when the deities are crafted from sacred neem wood (daru), with the sacred Daru Brahma transferred to the new forms.

Objective 2: To explain the sacred traditions associated with Koila Vaikuntha, including the ceremonial burial of the previous Deities and the crafting of the new wooden forms (Daru Vigrahas).

The entire area is covered by fragrant Malati creepers. This very ancient garden is said to be the place where the Sabars King Visva Vasu worshiped the original Deity of Nila Madhava.

SACRED CRAFTING:

While the previous forms of the Deities are ceremonially buried here, the new replacement idols are also secretly carved out of newly brought holy logs inside a closed enclosure in this exact garden.

The Lord’s Sacred Resting Place