CONSTRUCTION OF CHARIOTS

The three multicolored wooden chariots are constructed newly every year excluding the Kalasa and horses. 1072 pieces of logs are brought from Dasapalla and Ranpur forests. A particular family of carpenters owns the hereditary right to construct the chariots. Nearly 125 temple carpenters (including helping assistants) work for 58 days at the Mahakhala (in front of the King’s palace) and shape out 2188 pieces of wood for the construction of three chariots. The construction work commences on the Akshya Trutiya. Each chariot is covered with new cloths of radiant color; nearly 1090 meters of cloth are used purpose. Each chariot is fastened with four long ropes manufactured from coconut fibers to facilitate the devotees to pull them. Iron nails, brackets, clamps, etc. used for this purpose are indigenously prepared by the native smiths. The chariot's super structure (above the wheels) contains eighteen pillars and roofs at various stages which are known as bhuin, potala, parabhadi, etc. The chariot making process is complicated and there are 34 components of each chariot. Each chariot contains nine subsidiary deities (Parswa Devatas), two door keepers (Dwarapalas), one Charioteer (Sarathi) and one deity for the top flag (Dhwaja Devata), all made of wood.