States » EastPosted at: Jun 25 2025 2:56PM


Three chariots for Puri Rath Yatra meticulously crafted with spiritual precision

Puri, June 25 (UNI) The construction of the three sacred chariots for Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Lord Balabhadra, and their sister Devi Subhadra, presiding deities of the Shri Jagannath Temple in Puri, is a meticulously planned and spiritually significant process.
Work on the chariots, or Rathas, began on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya and was scheduled for completion within 50–55 days, typically a day before the commencement of the Rath Yatra festival, which is set to begin on June 27.
The construction formally began when temple priests handed over the Ajnamallyas (divine orders) from Lord Jagannath to the Biswakarmas (chief carpenters) in a sacred ceremony.
As part of the tradition, the temple administration also presented turbans (headgear) to the three Biswakarmas, symbolising the entrustment of this sacred responsibility.
These chariots will carry Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra to their birthplace, Gundicha Temple, travelling along the Grand Road (Badadanda) during the grand procession known as Rath Yatra.
Approximately one hundred traditional carpenters work daily according to a well-structured schedule to ensure the chariots are ready on time. They work under the supervision of three Biswakarmas at the Ratha Khala, the designated construction yard.
Carpenters, often from distant villages, are specially chosen by the Biswakarma clans. A senior member ensures the steady supply of timber in required sizes for the artisans. These craftsmen, serving in devotion to the deities, are remunerated by the temple administration.
The chariots being constructed are: Nandighosh for Lord Jagannath – 13.9 meters in height with 16 wheels, Taladhwaja for Lord Balabhadra – 13.5 meters in height with 14 wheels, Darpadalana for Devi Subhadra – 12.9 meters in height with 12 wheels.
A total of 872 pieces of timber from tree species such as Asan, Dhaura, and Phasi are used in the construction, following a fixed and traditional design, according to Bijay Kumar Mohapatra, one of the chief carpenters.
Seasoned timber of specific species and dimensions is used for crafting the axles, wheels, spokes, and other structural parts. Each chariot is equipped with a traditional shock-absorbing system and manually operated front brakes.
Carpenters work nearly 10 hours daily under the close supervision of senior Maharanas. “We often double the workload when construction is delayed due to natural calamities like rain or cyclones,” said Vijay Mahapatra, the Biswakarma responsible for the Nandighosh chariot.
A team of Roopakaras (sculptors and painters) artistically engrave and paint the images of the Parswadevatas (guardian deities), which are then affixed to all four sides of each chariot.
Traditional blacksmiths reinforce the structure by fixing over two tonnes of nails, as well as iron clamps and hooks to secure the wheels and joints. A dedicated group of Dorjees (traditional tailors) adorns each chariot with its prescribed coloured fabrics.
Once completed, the chariots are secretly moved to the festival site at midnight and positioned in front of the temple’s main gate (Simhadwar), facing east toward Gundicha Temple.
Before the deities ascend the chariots on the day of the festival, the temple purohits perform a sacred Homa (fire ritual) to consecrate the chariots, marking the final step in this elaborate spiritual and architectural endeavour.
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