The three
chariots (Raths) used for the annual Puri Jagannath Ratha Yatra are
newly constructed each year. A particular family of carpenters owns the
hereditary right to construct the chariots. The construction of the chariots
begins on the Akashya Tritiya day, which is around three months before the
actual Ratha Yatra day. Each chariot used in the Rath Yatra has specific size
and dimensions. The chariots are a classic example on indigenous engineering
marvel.
Sal wood is
used for the construction of the chariots. The wood is brought from the forests
of Daspalla and Ranapur. Around 2,188 pieces of wood are needed for the
construction of the chariots and these are chiseled out by around 125
carpenters. They work for 58 days at the Mahakhala – the front portion of the
Palace located near the Jagannath Temple.
Iron nails,
brackets, clamps and other miscellaneous items needed for the chariots are
prepared by the native blacksmiths. The structure above the wheels contains
eighteen pillars and roofs at various stages. Each chariot contains nine
subsidiary deities, two doorkeepers, and one charioteer all of which are made
of wood. Apart from this each chariot has a crest banner.
Around 1090
meters of new cloth is used to cover each chariot. Each chariot is fastened
with four long ropes manufactured from coconut fibers. The ropes are provided
by Kerala Coir Corporation.
Chariot of Lord Jagannath
The Chariot
of Lord Jagannath is known as Nandighosha. It is also known as Garudadhwaja and Kapidhwaja.
Height:
13’.5mNumber of wheels: 16 (seven feet diameter)
Length and breadth: 34’6” x 34’.6”
Wrappings: Red, Yellow color cloths
Total Number of wooden pieces used: 832
The Rath
(chariot) of Lord Jagannath is guarded by Garuda – the mythical bird and
vehicle of Lord Vishu. The charioteer is called Dahuka and the flag is named
‘Trailokyamohini.’ The wooden horses driving the chariot are named as Shankha,
Balahaka, Suweta, Haridashwa. The rope used to pull is called Sankhachuda.
There are nine presiding deities in the chariot – Varaha, Gobardhan, Gopi
Krishna, Narasimha, Rama, Narayan, Trivikrama, Hanuman and Rudra.
Chariot of Balabhadra
The Chariot
of Balabhadra is known as Taladhwaja.
Height:
13’.2m
Number of wheels: 14 (seven feet diameter)
Length and breadth: 33’ x 33’
Wrappings: Red, bluish green color cloths
Number of wheels: 14 (seven feet diameter)
Length and breadth: 33’ x 33’
Wrappings: Red, bluish green color cloths
Total Number of wooden pieces used: 763
The chariot
of Balabhadra is guarded by Vasudev. The charioteer is Matali and the flag is
named ‘Unnani.’ The horses are called Tribra, Ghora, Dirghasharma and
Swornanava. The rope used is named basuki. Ganesha, Kartikeya, Sarvamangala,
Pralambari, Hatayudha, Mrutyunjaya, Natamvara, Mukteswar, and Shesha deva are
the nine presiding deities.
Chariot of Subhadra
The Chariot
of Subhadra is known as Darpadalana. It is also referred as Padmadhwaja.
Height:
12’.9m
Number of wheels: 12 (seven feet diameter)
Number of wheels: 12 (seven feet diameter)
Length and breadth: 31’.6’’ x 31’.6’’
Wrappings: Red, black color cloths
Total Number of wooden pieces used: 593
The chariot
of Subhadra is guarded by Jayadurga. The charioteer is called Arjuna and the
flag is Nadambika. The horses are Rochika, Mochika, Jita and Aparajita. The
rope is called Swarnachuda. The nine subsidiary deities in the chariot are all
female deities – Chandi, Chamunda, Ugratara, Vanadurga, Shulidurga, Varahi,
Shyamakali, Mangala and Vimala.
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