Every year, millions of devotees visit the Jagannath Temple in Puri to witness the grand Rath Yatra. But many believe that Lord Jagannath's wooden idol is replaced every year. The truth is far more fascinating. The sacred process of creating a new idol, known as Navakalevara, follows ancient traditions and takes place only under a rare astrological alignment. It is one of Hinduism's most mysterious and spiritually significant ceremonies, and much of it remains hidden from the public eye.
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Why Lord Jagannath's Idol Won't Change in 2026
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