Finance
The sacred construction of the three majestic chariots for Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra began here on Monday, coinciding with the auspicious celebration of Akshaya Trutiya, which marks the beginning of preparations for the world-famous Rath Yatra on July 16.
The Biswakarma Sevaks (hereditary carpenter servitors) used a golden axe to make the ceremonial first strike on wood earmarked for the chariots at the Ratha Khala (chariot yard), as per customary traditions. A ‘yagna’ was performed earlier, and the ‘Agnya Mala’ — the holy garland from the deity that allowed the task to begin — was received. The ‘Banajag’ ceremony, led by Mukti Mandap’s chief priest Biswambar Dash, formally inaugurated the construction process.
According to temple officials, the chariots will be assembled using specially selected timber supplied by the Forest Department. Lord Jagannath’s Nandighosh chariot will stand 45.6 feet tall and require 742 wooden logs, while Lord Balabhadra’s Taladhwaja chariot will rise to 45 feet using 731 logs. Devi Subhadra’s Darpadalana chariot, at 44.6 feet, will be built with 711 logs. More than 200 skilled artisans, including carpenters, blacksmiths, woodcutters, tailors, and painters, will work on the construction and elaborate decoration of the chariots.
The 42-day Chandan Yatra, the longest yearly event at the Puri Shree Jagannath Temple, began on Akshaya Trutiya. The event is divided into two parts: Bahara (outer) Chandana, which lasts the first 21 days, and Bhitara (inner) Chandana. During the Bahara period, representative idols of the principal deities, along with the Pancha Pandava Shivalingas, are carried in procession from the Singhadwara to the Narendra Tirtha tank. The deities are put on magnificently adorned boats for nightly cruises on the tank, providing relief from the summer heat.
