- By Kashish Rai
- Sat, 14 Jun 2025 01:51 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Rath Yatra 2025: Every year in June or July, the centuries-old Hindu chariot festival known as the Ratha Yatra of Puri takes place. This vibrant festival in Puri, Odisha, honours Lord Jagannath, a manifestation of Vishnu or Krishna, as well as his siblings Subhadra and Balabhadra. Devotees pull enormous wooden chariots down the grand avenue, Bada Danda, to the Gundicha Temple, where the gods spend a week. Millions of pilgrims and tourists alike flock to see the magnificence of this age-old custom, which is a testament to faith and devotion. This year, Puri Rath Yatra will be observed on 27th June 2025.
Check out the names of the divine chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balbhadra and Devi Subhadra and know their significance in the divine Rath Yatra festival.
Rath Yatra 2025: Names Of The Divine Chariots Of Lord Jagannath, Balbhadra And Subhadra Devi And Their Spiritual Significance
Lord Jagannath’s Chariot - Nandighosh
The name of Lord Jagannath's magnificent chariot is Nandighosh. It is square at wheel level, 45 feet tall, and covered in bright yellow and red fabric. The 16 wheels of the chariot, each measuring seven feet in diameter, are an amazing example of ancient craftsmanship. The canopy's characteristic yellow stripes represent Lord Jagannath's connection to Krishna, who is dressed in golden yellow robes. The chariot, which captivates the hearts of millions of devotees and spectators alike, is a testament to the rich tradition and devotion of the Ratha Yatra festival.
Lord Balbhadra’s Chariot - Taladhwaja
Taladhwaja, Lord Balabhadra's magnificent chariot, is 44 feet tall and has 14 wheels, each of which is 7 feet in diameter. Its characteristic palm tree flag, adorned with red and blue fabric, represents power and defence. This magnificent chariot is an example of devotion and ancient craftsmanship.
The Chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balbhadra and Devi Subhadra are known as Nandighosh, Taladhwaja and Darapadalana. (Image Source: The Daily Jagran)
Devi Subhadra’s Chariot - Darpadalana
Darpadalana, Devi Subhadra's magnificent chariot, has twelve wheels, each seven feet in diameter, and is forty-three feet tall. It represents feminine strength and power and is dressed in red and black, which stand for Shakti and the Mother goddess.
Other Details About These Magnificent Chariots
The wood from certain trees, such as phassi and dhausa, is used to build the three chariots of Balabhadra, Subhadra and Jagannath every year. A group of talented carpenters with inherited rights to this privilege typically source these trees from the former princely state of Dasapalla. Traditionally, the logs are collected close to Puri and then floated down the Mahanadi River on rafts before being transported by road.
A distinctive design that has been used for centuries is used to decorate newly built chariots. These magnificent chariots, adorned with bright canopies of red, black, yellow, and blue stripes, stand majestically on the Grand Avenue, also known as the Bada Danda. Directly in front of the Sinhadwara, also called the Lion's Gate, the grand temple's eastern entrance, the enormous buildings are arranged in a line across the broad avenue.
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Nine Parsva devatas, or painted wooden representations of different deities, beautifully adorn the chariots. Four horses of various colours – white for Balabhadra, dark for Jagannatha and red for Subhadra draw each chariot. A competent charioteer, such as Matali for Jagannatha, Daruka for Balabhadra and Arjuna for Subhadra, also leads the magnificent procession in each chariot.