Chariots getting ready for Puri Rath Yatra

suchandra · June 30, 2008

Chariots getting ready for Puri Rath Yatra

http://www.kalingatimes.com/orissa_news/news3/20080630-Chariots-getting-ready-for-Puri-Rath-Yatra.htm

By Rajkumar Mohanty

Puri (Odisha), June 30: Nearly a hundred traditional carpenters have been working to a definite plan to complete the construction of the three huge Rathas (chariots) for observance of annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra on July 4.

The construction work of the three Rathas starts on the auspicious Akshaya Trutiya day and gets completed within 44 days, a day before the fete. The construction of the Rathas begins after the temple priests hand over Ajnamallyas (order of the Lord) from Lord Jagannath to the Biswakarmas (chief carpenters).

A number of carpenters and their assistants work under a chief carpenter called Maharana. Sutar Maharana and Tali Maharana who belong to the lower order of the chief carpenter too supervise the ongoing work at Ratha Khala (construction yard) along the Grand Road . They are designated as Saree Bandha Biswakarmas (royal permission holders). One Amina Maharana shoulders the responsibility of supplying required size timbers to the carpenters at work.

The carpenters come from various remote villages of the district and belong to economically backward class.

“Every year we construct Nandighosh (13.9 metre height) of Lord Jagannath with 16 giant wheels, Taladhwaj (13.5 metre height) of Balabhadra with 14 wheels, and Darpadalan (12.9 metre height) of Devi Subhadra with 12 wheels using a total 872 pieces of timber of various tree species like Asan, Dhaura and Phasi, said Bijay Kumar Mohapatra, the head carpenter.

Specific types of timber logs are used to prepare the axle, wheel and the spokes besides the other parts of the Rath. All the three Rathas are fitted with unique shock absorber systems with manual operated front brakes.

“For our service the then rulers had granted us right to take balance timber as `Khei' (remuneration) which the temple administration have now stopped and compensating in terms of rupees,” Mohapatra added.

“Carpenters work for nearly 10 hours per day under the supervision of senior Maharanas. Sometimes we have to double up the work if work hampered due to natural calamity like rain and cyclone to meet the deadline.”

Apart from these carpenters, a number of Roopakaras (sculptors and painter) display their skill by engraving and colouring the images of (Parswadevatas) guarding deities on all four sides of the Rathas. They use bright traditional colours to decorate the images created by the wood sculptors on detachable wood pieces. After putting colours then fix them to places around the Rathas.

A number of blacksmiths display their skill to strengthen the weak portions, particularly the wheels, by reinforcing them with iron clamps and hooks. Apart from these a set of traditional tailors (Durjees) work for a week to deck the Rathas with their assigned coloured cloths.

suchandra · July 4, 2008

http://www.rathjatra.nic.in/live2008d.htm

suchandra · July 4, 2008

Friday, July 4, 2008

Puri Rath Yatra: 6 People die in Stampede

http://www.orissatimes.net/

Breaking News! The much-awaited Rath Yatra in Puri, began on a disastrous note, as at least 6 people died and 12 injured in a stampede near Devi Subhadra's chariot. Three women are among the dead. Despite the claims made by the Puri administration, a stampede took place, which exposed the mismanagement of the whole affairs.

The injured have been rushed to the hospital and an inquiry has been ordered into the incident. Further details are awaited. Situation is said to be under control and Yatra would take place as per the schedule. According to estimates, over 6 lakh people have gathered at Puri to get a glimpse of the deities on this auspicious occasio

suchandra · July 4, 2008

Puri king takes on role of a sweeper

http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/004200807041860.htm

Puri (PTI): Clad in spotless white royal attire, Gajapati King of Puri Divya Singha Deva on Friday performed the role of a sweeper as he swept with a golden broom the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra amidst chanting of 'slokas' by the priests.

The king, considered the first servant of Lord Jagannath, was carried from the palace to the Grand Road in front of the temple in a silver plated palanquin in a procession.

He climbed the chariots one by one and offered his prayers to the deities seated on them before picking up the golden broom to perform the special ritual like his forefathers through the centuries.

During the ritual called 'Chhera Pahanra', he cleaned the platform of the wooden chariots, sprinkled flowers and frangnant water on their floor.

"It is a great previlage to be servant of the Lord," the King said after sweeping the chariots.

According to Rabindra Mishra, noted researcher in the Jagannath cult, the ritual goes back to hundreds of years and is a symbol of equality in the society. "All are equal before the Lord, be it a king or a sweeper."

The annual car festival also symbolises a mass festival without discrimination of caste, creed or any other barriers, he said.