Nandighosha: The Majestic Lord Jagannath Chariot
During the annual Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival) in Puri, Odisha, three large wooden chariots roll down the Bada Danda (Grand Road) to carry the deities – Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra – from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple. The article concentrates on Lord Jagannath’s chariot named Nandighosha which is one of the three spiritual raths (chariots).
Name and Meaning
The chariot of Lord Jagannath, the presiding deity of the Jagannath Temple, is called Nandighosha (also known locally as Garudadhwaja or Kapidhwaja). The name Nandighosha roughly translates to “the joyful sound,” symbolizing divine celebration and victory.
Dimensions and Structure
Nandighosha is the tallest and most elaborate of the three chariots. Here’s a breakdown of its features:
- Height: Approximately 44 feet (13.2 meters)
- Width: Around 35 feet (10.6 meters)
- Wheels: 16 wooden wheels, each 6 feet in diameter
- Color: The chariot is traditionally painted in bright red and yellow, symbolizing energy and sanctity
- Flag: A red-and-yellow banner (called Trailokyamohini) flutters atop, and Hanuman is the guardian deity of this rath.
The chariot displays attractive canopies together with wooden carvings and Pattachitra cloth paintings which depict mythological narratives and divine emblems.
Symbolism of the Jagannath Chariot
The chariot of Lord Jagannath is more than just a mode of transport; it represents deep spiritual ideas:
- The journey from the temple to Gundicha symbolizes the soul’s return to its spiritual home.
- The chariot itself is the body, and Jagannath is the soul—a metaphor for human life.
- The 16 wheels are said to represent various aspects of existence, including time cycles and cosmic directions.
- Pulling the chariot is considered a sacred act, believed to destroy sins and grant divine blessings.
Construction and Sacred Wood Selection
The construction of Nandighosha is a deeply spiritual and highly organized ritual, taking place every year anew. Here’s how it unfolds:
- Selection of Wood (Daru)
- The wood used for the chariot is sourced from specific trees selected as per ancient traditions and rituals. These include Neem, Sal, and other sacred varieties.
- A special ritual called Banajaga Yatra is conducted to search for these trees.
- Once identified, the trees are ceremonially cut with mantras and pujas.
- The selected wood is then transported to the Ratha Khala—a special construction site near the Jagannath Temple.
- The wood used for the chariot is sourced from specific trees selected as per ancient traditions and rituals. These include Neem, Sal, and other sacred varieties.
- Construction at Ratha Khala
- At the Ratha Khala, a group of hereditary carpenters called Maharana Sevayats begins building the chariot.
- The construction begins on Akshaya Tritiya, a highly auspicious day.
- The entire process is done without using any metal nails—traditional wooden joinery techniques are used.
- Each part of the chariot has symbolic significance and is handcrafted according to centuries-old scriptures.
- At the Ratha Khala, a group of hereditary carpenters called Maharana Sevayats begins building the chariot.
Scriptural and Historical References
The concept of Lord Jagannath’s rath is mentioned in Skanda Purana and Brahma Purana, where Lord Vishnu is described as taking a form that is mobile and universal. Historical records show that the Rath Yatra tradition has been followed for more than a thousand years, with King Indradyumna said to have begun this tradition in Puri.
Devotion on Wheels
The Jagannath chariot functions as a living divine structure which represents the sacred journey of the divine. Millions of people believe they actively join an eternal sacred experience when they watch the huge wooden wheels start moving while the crowd chants “Jai Jagannath!”.
Many people consider it a sacred privilege to simply touch the ropes of Nandighosha throughout their entire lifetime. Devotees who touch the ropes are believed to achieve liberation from birth and death and receive moksha (liberation).
In Summary
- Chariot Name: Nandighosha
- Deity: Lord Jagannath
- Height: ~44 feet
- Wheels: 16
- Construction Site: Ratha Khala
- Material: Sacred wood sourced via Banajaga Yatra
- Guardian Deity: Hanuman
- Spiritual Significance: Soul’s journey toward liberation
Conclusion
The Jagannath chariot Nandighosha represents more than architectural beauty because it functions as a spiritual vehicle which embodies significant meanings from India’s cultural and religious heritage. Devotees who pull the ropes with hope in their hearts transform the chariot into a sacred representation of bhakti (devotion), karma (action) and moksha (liberation) which unite as one divine procession.
Jai Jagannath!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Nandighosha
Nandighosha is the chariot of Lord Jagannath, used during the Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival) in Puri, Odisha. It is one of the three chariots used to carry the deities from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple.
The name Nandighosha translates to “the joyful sound,” symbolizing divine celebration, spiritual joy, and the victory of righteousness.
Yes. Nandighosha is also referred to as Garudadhwaja or Kapidhwaja in local traditions.
Lord Jagannath, the presiding deity of the Jagannath Temple in Puri, is carried on the Nandighosha chariot during Rath Yatra.
Key features include:
- Height: Approximately 44 feet (13.2 meters)
- Width: Around 35 feet (10.6 meters)
- Wheels: 16 wooden wheels, each 6 feet in diameter
- Colors: Painted in bright red and yellow, symbolizing energy and sanctity
- Flag: A banner named Trailokyamohini flutters on top
- Guardian Deity: Hanuman
The chariot is built using sacred wood from trees like Neem, selected through a ritual process called Banajaga Yatra. No metal nails are used—only traditional wooden joinery methods.
Banajaga Yatra is a special sacred journey undertaken to locate and select the right trees for chariot construction. Rituals and mantras are performed before cutting the trees.
The Nandighosha chariot is constructed at Ratha Khala, a special construction yard near the Jagannath Temple. Work begins on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya each year.
The chariot is built by traditional carpenters known as Maharana Sevayats, who follow hereditary roles and ancient scriptures.
The chariot represents:
- The body, while Lord Jagannath represents the soul
- The soul’s journey from the material world back to the divine
- The circle of life, with 16 wheels symbolizing time and cosmic elements
- The importance of bhakti (devotion), karma (action), and moksha (liberation)
Pulling the chariot is considered an act of great merit. Devotees believe touching the ropes of Nandighosha can:
- Destroy sins
- Grant blessings
- Lead to moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death)
The chariot is decorated with:
- Canopies made from sacred cloth
- Wood carvings
- Pattachitra paintings that depict mythological stories and divine symbols
Yes. The concept of Lord Jagannath’s chariot is mentioned in ancient texts like the Skanda Purana and Brahma Purana. The Rath Yatra tradition is believed to have started over a thousand years ago by King Indradyumna.
Nandighosha is not just a chariot—it is a moving temple. It becomes a living symbol of divine presence, where devotion (bhakti) and spirituality come alive in motion.
Millions chant “Jai Jagannath!” as they pull the chariots. Many believe it’s a once-in-a-lifetime blessing to even touch the ropes, as it connects them directly to the divine.
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