Preparations for the famous Jagannath Rath Yatra have started in Odisha. This grand procession happens every year on the second day of the bright fortnight of the Ashadha month. This year, it will commence on June 7. It is believed that devotees who pull the chariot of Lord Jagannath attain salvation. But have you ever wondered what happens to the chariots and their wooden parts after the journey is over? Let's find out today!
Lord Jagannath, meaning the Lord of the Universe, is considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. On the day of Rath Yatra, Jagannath, along with his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra, embarks on a city tour on three separate chariots. Every year, new chariots are made for the siblings.
Jagannath Rath Yatra Chariots
The chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are made from neem and hamsi wood. A special committee set up by the Jagannath Temple selects these trees. Their job is to identify healthy, sacred neem trees. Interestingly, nails, screws, or any other metal are not used in the construction of the chariots. Every year, members of certain families only construct the chariots. They do not use any modern machinery for this work, and many of them have no formal training. These individuals rely on the knowledge passed down from their ancestors to build precise, tall, and strong chariots each year.
The Rath Yatra begins from the main temple and ends at Gundicha Temple, about 3 kilometers away, which is considered the home of Jagannath's aunt. Here, Jagannath rests for 7 days before returning home, a journey known as Bahuda Yatra. Balabhadra's chariot moves first, followed by Subhadra's in the middle, and Jagannath's chariot at the end. These chariots are huge, with an average height of 13 meters (42 feet).
Post Rath Yatra: What Happens to the Chariots?
After the Rath Yatra is completed, the chariots are dismantled. According to reports, most parts of the chariot are auctioned. Details of these parts are provided on the Sri Jagannath website. The wheel of the chariot is the most expensive part, with a starting price of ₹50,000. Those interested in purchasing the parts must apply in advance. Additionally, there are rules for using these parts. According to the temple's notification, it is the buyer's responsibility to keep the wheels and other parts safe.
Not only are the chariots auctioned, but the remaining wood is also sent to the temple kitchen. Here, it is used as fuel to cook food for the deities. This prasad is distributed daily to around 100,000 devotees. The kitchen at the Jagannath Temple in Puri, known as the mega kitchen, prepares 56 different types of offerings for the deity every day. Even today, all this food is cooked in clay pots.
