The chariot wheels that will roll on Puri Bada Danda during the annual world famous car festival of Holy Trinity – Lord Balabhadra, Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra – are ready, with statues carved on them beautifully. Have a look.
By: Devbrat Patnaik
Last updated: 23 May 2022, 06:24 PM IST
This is at the Ratha Khala (traditional workshop), where carpenters are busy giving shape to the 'Nahaka Akha'. After the shaping of the Akha, the two sides of the log will be given a circular shape.
This shows fixing of 'Ara' in the rest of the 'Tumba', 'Singada Baadia', 'Akha Bindha' in the 'Tumba' and fixing of 'Pai'.
The 'Pandari Gaada' is being carved out in the 'Tumba' to set 'Pandari' and 'Bala'. The 'Tikha Guja, Jalajantra, Kuduka' are being made for the three chariots along with the carving of idols in the 'Kona Guja'.
The construction of 'Nahaka Akha', one each for the three chariots is complete for the 'Chaka Dera' ritual where the wheel and the axle are fixed on the occasion of 'Bhaunri'.
A crucial stage of chariot construction is completed on the auspicious occasion of 'Bhaunri'. The servitors are carrying the 'Agyanmala' or the consent garland of Mahaprabhu Jagannath.
After receiving the 'Agyanmala', two wheels are fixed to the axle in the presence of the chariot construction sevaks, which concludes the 'Chaka Dera' ritual.
Senior carpenter carves out a beautiful lion sculpture on the timber to be fixed in the chariot.
The wheels of wisdom. Jai Jagannath.
Two wheels or 'Chaka' have been fixed to the 'Akha' or axle in presence of servitors and carpenters.