SJTA issues new SOP to sell chariot wheels of Puri Jagannath temple; applications open till Nov 10

In a significant move, Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) in Puri announced on Thursday that the wheels of three sacred chariots used in the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra will be sold this year.

Also Read: Puri Srimandir donates Nandighosha chariot wheel to Kakatpur Deulimath

A new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been issued to streamline the process.

Along with the chariot wheels, items such as Prabha, Guja, and Asuari will also be available for sale. Interested devotees must submit their applications by November 10.

A non-refundable application fee of Rs 1,000 has been fixed for participation.

As per the fresh SOP, the price of each wheel from Lord Balabhadra’s chariot is Rs 2 lakh, Devi Subhadra’s wheel is Rs 1.5 lakh, and Lord Jagannath’s wheel is Rs 3 lakh. Application forms are available from the Srimandir Administration Office in Puri.

This initiative of SJTA aims to preserve the sanctity of the wooden structures while offering devotees a rare chance to own a piece of the divine heritage.

Worth mentioning, earlier in another incident and in a symbolic gesture of tradition, the SJTA had presented one of Lord Jagannath’s Nandighosha chariot wheels to Deulimath at Kakatpur in Puri district. The wheel reached Deulimath on October 28.

After the divine relic had reached Deulimath, locals, devotees, and members of the intellectual community expressed joy and reverence, viewing it as a spiritual honour for Kakatpur.

The sacred wheel was ceremoniously taken in a grand procession accompanied by sankirtan groups, drawing large crowds and great enthusiasm from devotees.