From Puri to Delhi: Wheels of chariots of Lord Jagannath, His Siblings to be housed in Parliament complex

Odisha’s cultural and spiritual heritage is set to receive a national spotlight with a proposal to install the sacred wheels of the three chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra in the Parliament complex — a move that promises to be a moment of pride for every Odia.

The proposal was presented by Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee during Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla’s visit to Puri on Friday. Birla, on a tour of Odisha, offered prayers at the 12th-century shrine, where senior temple officials facilitated his darshan of the holy Trinity.

Following the rituals, Padhee suggested placing the divine wheels of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra’s chariots in Parliament as a lasting emblem of Odisha’s timeless culture and spiritual heritage. Sources said Speaker Birla warmly welcomed the idea, showing keen interest in the proposal.

According to sources, Padhee first discussed the proposal with Odisha CM Mohan Majhi and Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, and later proposed the idea before the Lok Sabha speaker.

While the dismantling of Taladhwaja- Lord Balabhadra’s chariot and Darpadalana, the chariot of Devi Subhadra, has been completed, the dismantling of Nandighosa, Lord Jagannath’s chariot, is currently underway in Puri. Once the process is over, the parts of the chariots will be taken to the godown, from where they will later be shifted to Delhi. 

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However, it is still not confirmed when and how the wheels will be transported from Puri

If realised, the installation will not only showcase Odisha’s rich tradition of Lord Jagannath across the nation but also stand as a proud symbol of the state’s contribution to India’s cultural fabric.