India
This year, the Rath Yatra will begin on July 7th in Puri, Odisha. Let’s learn some important facts about it.
The chariot on which Lord Jagannath rides is named Nandighosha. It is also known as Garudadhwaja and Kapidhwaja. The charioteer is named Daruka.
The chariot is drawn by four horses named Balahaka, Shankha, Suweta, and Haridashwa.
Lord Jagannath’s chariot stands at a height of 13.5 metres. It features 16 wheels and a pillar known as Sudarshan Pillar. The flag atop the chariot is called Trilokya Vahini.
The rope used to pull this chariot is called Shankachuda. No metal is used in the construction of the chariots.
The chariot of Balarama is called Taladhawja. It features a symbol of Lord Shiva on it. The protector of this chariot is Vasudev, and the charioteer is called Matali.
The chariot of Goddess Subhadra is named Devdalan. It features a symbol of Goddess Durga.
Lord Jagannath’s chariot has a red-green peak, Balram’s chariot has a red-yellow peak, and Subhadra’s chariot has a red-grey peak.