The sacred Bhaunri Yatra ritual of Lord Jagannath was observed on Saturday in Puri, marking another important milestone in preparations for the annual Rath Yatra.
The ritual, held at the Rathakhala near the Jagannath Temple, signifies a crucial stage in the construction of the three grand chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra.
Chaka Akha Dera ritual performed
As part of the traditional observances on Bhaunri Tithi, the Chaka Akha Dera ritual was performed after the Sakala Dhupa ritual.
Following the ceremonial arrival of the Agyanmala from the three chariots, the sacred Nahaka Chaka were prepared for attachment to the three axles.
Before the attachment, the wheels underwent ceremonial bathing rituals, and devotees gathered in large numbers to offer prayers to the sacred wooden wheels, which hold deep spiritual significance in the Rath Yatra tradition.
Wheel construction reaches key stage
Temple sources said that 19 wheels for the three chariots have already been completed.
After the Chaka Akha Dera ritual, the finished wheels were shifted to designated places outside the Rathakhala for safekeeping.
The Rath Amin has supplied four pieces each of 20-foot-long Dhaura wood, which will be used for constructing the Muhant and Joka components of the three chariots.
The Maharana servitors have already begun work on five Joka and four Muhant components for each of the three chariots.
Nahaka Chaka receive special decoration
A Maharana servitor associated with the Taladhwaja chariot said the Nahaka Chaka receive special treatment compared to the remaining wheels.
Unlike the ordinary wheels, these sacred wheels are polished, decorated with colours, and tied with holy threads before being fixed to the chariots.
During the ritual, six Nahaka Chaka and Akha belonging to the three chariots are attached. These specially decorated wheels occupy the middle portion of the massive wooden structures.
More structural work completed
Meanwhile, work on several other major chariot components has also progressed steadily.
Temple officials said that construction of Sala Guja, Tikha Guja, Jalajantra, Kuduka, Ora, and one Singhasan each for the three chariots was completed by Friday.
In addition, three-layer Raha cutting work on these components has also been completed, indicating that preparations for the grand Rath Yatra are moving ahead on schedule.
With each passing ritual, anticipation continues to grow among devotees awaiting the annual journey of the sibling deities through the streets of Puri.
