Latest news with #Jagannath
Time of India
9 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
Gundicha Temple gets a facelift ahead of Rath Yatra
Bhubaneswar: Gundicha Temple, where the deities of Jagannath temple were born, is being prepared for a visual transformation through enhancement work before Rath Yatra on June 27. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "The beautification work includes stone-cladding of the outer boundary wall, landscaping and illumination arrangements to welcome the deities at their place of birth during Rath Yatra. The aesthetic transformation will give a visual delight to the deities and devotees," chief administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Arabinda Kumar Padhee told TOI. The temple's exterior boundary wall, previously constructed of bricks, has received fresh plastering and Khondalite stone cladding, showcasing Odisha's architectural heritage. A protective fence is being installed around the wall to maintain its sanctity and restrict public access. Ornamental trees are being planted near the shrine as part of landscaping effort. "The initial phase involves stone cladding of the shrine's front wall, with plans to extend the treatment to the side and rear walls in subsequent phases after Rath Yatra," Padhee said. A new room has been built near the temple entrance for administrative purposes, complementing the existing information centre. An LED display will be installed outside to provide devotees with information about rituals at the Jagannath temple, located about 3 km away on the Grand Road. "Post-Rath Yatra, the Odisha Bridge & Construction Corporation Limited will undertake comprehensive renovation inside Gundicha Temple, including improvements of the kitchen and Nata Mandap. Murals highlighting Jagannath culture will be crafted on walls inside the shrine," Padhee said. Gundicha Temple, recognised as the deities' garden home due to its abundant trees, remains vacant except during Rath Yatra when the deities stay in it.
Time of India
15 hours ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Construction of Kendrapada's chariot for Rath Yatra underway
Kendrapada: The construction of a massive 65-ft-long chariot with 14 wheels is in full swing at the historic Baladevjew temple in Ichapur, Kendrapada for the upcoming annual Rath Yatra on June 27. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The 300-year-old temple, located in what is known as 'Tulasi Khetra', is dedicated to Lord Baladev, elder brother of Lord Jagannath. "We procured 760 cubic feet of sal wood from Telkoi forest department in Keonjhar district for constructing the state's second-biggest wooden chariot," said Balabhadra Patri, executive officer of Baladevjew temple. The construction began on May 23, delayed due to late wood procurement from the forest department. Of the 14 wheels of the chariot 'Bramahataladhawaja', only four new wheels are being built while 10 are being repaired, owing to wood quality constraints. About 25 carpenters are working to complete the chariot before the festival. Poll What aspect of the Rath Yatra excites you the most? The chariot procession The rituals and prayers The temple faced challenges during last year's Rath Yatra when three wheels were damaged, causing the chariot to bend during the procession. "This year, we're taking extra precautions to ensure proper repair of old wheels by expert carpenters," Patri added. Priest Niranjan Dash expressed concerns about the use of cast-off timber in construction, similar to last year when the chariot took four days to cover the 2-km journey to Mausima temple. The art of chariot-making here is a hereditary craft. Saroj Moharana, 54, a third-generation carpenter with three decades of experience, learned the trade from his father and grandfather. "As Rath Yatra approaches, chariot makers enter their busiest season," he said. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now According to Pradeep Moharana, 56, another local carpenter, the number of families practising this art has declined from 40 to around 20 over four decades. Historical records show that the present Baladevjew temple was built in 1761 by Raja Gopal Sandha of Kujang during the Maratha rule.
India Today
2 days ago
- General
- India Today
Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: Date, schedule and all you need to know
The Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra, one of India's most revered festivals, is scheduled to commence on June 27, 2025, in Puri, Odisha. This annual event, also known as the Festival of Chariots, celebrates the journey of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple. The festival attracts millions of devotees from around the world, eager to partake in its rich traditions and spiritual DATES AND RITUALSAkshaya Tritiya (April 30, 2025): Marks the beginning of the festival preparations, including the commencement of chariot Purnima (June 11, 2025): The deities are bathed in 108 pots of holy water in a grand ceremony known as the 'Snana Yatra.' Anavasara (June 13–26, 2025): Following the Snana Purnima, the deities are believed to fall ill and rest in isolation for 15 days, during which they are not available for public Marjana (June 26, 2025): The Gundicha Temple is thoroughly cleaned to prepare for the arrival of the Yatra (June 27, 2025): The main event where the deities are placed on their respective chariots and pulled to the Gundicha Temple by thousands of Panchami (July 1, 2025): A ritual that marks Goddess Lakshmi's visit to the Gundicha Temple in search of Lord Darshan (July 3, 2025): An auspicious evening viewing of the deities at the Gundicha Yatra (July 5, 2025): The return journey of the deities to the Jagannath Besha (July 6, 2025): The deities are adorned with gold ornaments in a grand Pana (July 7, 2025): A sweet drink is offered to the deities on their Bijay (July 8, 2025): Marks the deities' return to the sanctum of the Jagannath Temple, concluding the DETAILSEach deity has a dedicated chariot, constructed anew each year from specific types of wood:Nandighosha: Lord Jagannath's chariot, featuring 16 wheels and standing approximately 44.2 feet Lord Balabhadra's chariot, with 14 wheels and a height of about 43.3 Goddess Subhadra's chariot, comprising 12 wheels and reaching a height of 42.3 chariots are ornately decorated and are pulled by devotees through the streets of Puri, symbolising the communal devotion and unity amongst Ratha Yatra is not only a religious event but also a cultural spectacle that embodies themes of devotion, equality, and community. It offers devotees a rare opportunity to have a direct glimpse of the deities, as they are traditionally housed within the temple and not visible to the in the chariot pulling is considered highly auspicious, believed to bring spiritual merit and those planning to attend, it's advisable to arrange accommodations well in advance due to the large influx of festival's vibrant atmosphere, combined with its deep spiritual roots, makes the Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra a truly transformative experience for all who partake.
India Today
2 days ago
- General
- India Today
ISKCON fits Sukhoi fighter jet tyres to Lord Jagannath's chariot in Kolkata
This year's Rath Yatra in Kolkata is set to be a remarkable one as Lord Jagannath's chariot will roll on tyres originally designed for the Sukhoi fighter jet — notably the ones used in India's successful Operation Kolkata has spearheaded the initiative to replace the old tyres of Lord Jagannath's tyres which were first fitted in 1977 and sourced from a Boeing aircraft. With the original manufacturer, Dunlop ceasing operations years ago, the search for suitable replacements were on for the past few had been using second-hand aircraft tyres for many years,' said Radharaman Das, Vice President of ISKCON Kolkata. 'After thorough research, we found that the tyres of Sukhoi fighter jet matched the size and specifications of the old Boeing ones.' In 2024, tyre manufacturer MRF assessed the requirements and delivered the new tyres in early 2025. A 24-kilometre trial was carried out to ensure the tyres could withstand the weight of the chariot and move smoothly through Kolkata's added, 'It is a coincidence that the tyres came from Sukhoi jets that participated in Operation Sindoor, a significant achievement for Indian defence.'While the change is a technical enhancement, it also carries symbolic significance. Das drew parallels with the Mahabharata, noting that Lord Krishna attempted to prevent war between the Kauravas and Pandavas. When diplomacy failed, the Pandavas emerged victorious, reinforcing a message of peace backed by year's Rath Yatra conveys a dual message — of devotion and determination. It reflects Sanatani values and India's readiness to rise against adversity,' said Das, hinting at current tensions with Lord Jagannath's chariot now mounted on tyres built for a combat aircraft, this year's procession is set to combine tradition with a powerful reminder of cultural resilience and national Watch
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India.com
3 days ago
- Automotive
- India.com
From Runways To Rath Yatra: This Is How Sukhoi Fighter Jet Tyres To Support Lord Jagannaths Chariot
In a harmonious fusion of tradition and contemporary technology, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Kolkata has installed tyres utilized in Sukhoi 4th generation fighter aircraft onto Lord Jagannath's chariot for the Rath Yatra of this year. The festival, one of the city's most eagerly awaited spiritual celebrations, will be held on June 27. This is a major upgrade following 48 years of utilising Boeing aircraft tyres for the chariot. ISKCON authorities state that the old Boeing tyres had created technical problems, and efforts to find appropriate substitutes over the past two decades were underway. "We were facing issues with the old tyres and tried for years to find an alternative. Since Dunlop, the manufacturer of the original Boeing tyres, shut operations long ago, we explored other options," said ISKCON Kolkata Vice President Radharaman Das in an interview. "After extensive research, we discovered that tyres used in Sukhoi fighter jets matched the diameter and load specifications required for the chariot. We reached out to MRF, the manufacturer of Sukhoi tyres, and their team inspected our chariot in December 2023," he mentioned. After the evaluation, the tyres were installed on the main wooden chariot, which completed a successful trial run of 20 kilometres in Kolkata on May 31. Das assured that structural changes were incorporated to fit the new tyres. All four of the Sukhoi tyres are capable of carrying a maximum load of 16 tonnes, facilitating the safe transport of the chariot during the Rath Yatra and Ultorath, which is scheduled on July 5. The chariots of the deities accompanying Lord Jagannath will still run on conventional iron wheels. "This is possibly a first-of-its-kind move in the country, if not Asia. We initially fitted Boeing tyres back in 1977, and to our knowledge, such a practice of using aircraft or fighter jet tyres in religious processions is unprecedented," Das said. The new tyres are likely to provide a smoother and safer ride for Lord Jagannath down the roads of Kolkata, as thousands of believers line up to watch the religious procession.
