Puri: Nandighosha is the magnificent chariot of Lord Jagannath, the presiding deity of the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, India. It is one of the three chariots pulled annually during the world-famous Rath Jatra (Chariot Festival), an event that draws millions of devotees from across the globe.
Details of Nandighosha Chariot:
Nandighosha is not just a chariot; it’s a sacred vehicle brimming with symbolism and intricate details. Here are some key facts about this colossal structure:
- Height and Dimensions: Nandighosha stands at an impressive height of approximately 45 feet (13.5 meters) and is about 34.6 feet square at the wheel level. Its sheer size makes it a towering spectacle.
- Wheels: It is supported by 16 wooden wheels, each with a diameter of about 7 feet. These wheels are crafted anew each year for the festival.
- Color and Decorations: The chariot is adorned with canopies of bright red and yellow cloth, symbolizing the golden yellow robes (Pitambara) of Lord Jagannath. It features intricate wooden carvings and Pattachitra paintings depicting mythological stories and divine symbols.
- Construction: Nandighosha is built annually from scratch using sacred wood, primarily Neem, Sal, and other specific varieties. The wood selection process, known as Banajaga Yatra, is a ritualistic journey. Skilled hereditary carpenters, known as Maharana Sevayats, construct the chariot at the Ratha Khala, a special site near the temple. 832 pieces of wood are used in its construction.
- Charioteer and Horses: The wooden charioteer for Nandighosha is known as Daruka. It is pulled by four white horses named Shankha, Balahaka, Shveta, and Haridashva.
- Flag and Deities: The flag of Nandighosha is named Trailokyamohini, bearing the symbol of Hanuman. Nine subsidiary deities are placed around the chariot, including Varaha, Govardhana, Krishna, Narsingha, Rama, Narayana, Trivikrama, Hanuman, and Rudra. Garuda and Narsingha guard the chariot, and the gatekeepers are Jay and Vijay.
- Spiritual Significance: Beyond its physical attributes, Nandighosha holds deep spiritual meaning. It is seen as a metaphor for the human body, with Lord Jagannath representing the soul. The Rath Yatra itself signifies the soul’s journey back to its divine home, highlighting the importance of devotion, action, and liberation.
Nandighosha: The Biggest Chariot in the World (in the context of Puri Rath Jatra):
While there may be other large chariots or ceremonial structures globally, the Puri Rath Yatra is widely recognized as the largest and most visited chariot festival in the world. Within this festival, Nandighosha, being the chariot of Lord Jagannath, is the tallest and most elaborate among the three chariots. Its immense scale, coupled with the millions of devotees who participate in its pulling, truly makes it a unparalleled spectacle.
Why it remained in front of Lion’s Gate yesterday (June 27, 2025):
Yesterday, June 27, 2025, during the Puri Rath Jatra, Nandighosha, the chariot of Lord Jagannath, remained halted near the Singhadwara (Lion’s Gate) of the Shree Jagannath Temple. This was an unexpected delay in the procession.
Reports indicate that the primary reason for this halt was an unprecedented and unexpectedly large turnout of devotees, significantly higher than anticipated. The sheer volume of the crowd made it challenging to maneuver the massive chariots smoothly along the Grand Road (Bada Danda).
While the rituals were reportedly performed on time, the pulling of Lord Balabhadra’s Taladhwaja chariot faced initial difficulties, veering off track and taking a considerable amount of time to realign. This backlog impacted the subsequent chariots, including Nandighosha.
Despite efforts, Nandighosha, after moving a short distance, was ultimately halted near the Lion’s Gate as the chariot pulling activities were suspended during late evening. The chariot pulling is scheduled to resume today, June 28, 2025, to complete the journey to Shree Gundicha Temple.