Why Are Servitors Celebrating the Installation of Puri Rath Yatra Chariot Wheels in Parliament?
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Synopsis
In a momentous decision, the wheels from the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra will be installed in the Parliament complex. This move not only honors Odisha's rich cultural heritage but also symbolizes a deeper connection to spirituality at the heart of India's democracy.
Key Takeaways
- The wheels of three divine chariots will adorn the Parliament.
- This decision signifies a union of tradition and democracy.
- Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla endorsed the proposal.
- It reflects the rich cultural heritage of Odisha.
- The initiative strengthens the connection between spirituality and governance.
Bhubaneswar, Aug 31 (NationPress) Servitors and devotees enthusiastically welcomed the recent decision to install the wheels of the three chariots—those of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra—from the Puri Rath Yatra within the Parliament complex in Delhi.
In an interview with IANS, Somnath Khuntia, a servitor at the ancient 12th-century shrine, shared, "Recently, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla visited the temple to have a darshan of Lord Jagannath. He prayed for the well-being, prosperity, and development of all. Upon his return, the temple administration proposed that the wheels of the sacred triad be installed and showcased at the Parliament. The Speaker concurred with this suggestion."
Khuntia deemed this decision an honor for Odisha and devotees across the globe.
He further suggested that instead of just the wheels, installing full replicas of the chariots would elevate the cultural representation and grandeur of the 12th-century shrine.
In a significant move, the wheels from the three chariots—Nandighosha, Debadalana, and Darpadalana—will soon find their place in the Parliament complex of New Delhi.
Speaker Birla approved the proposal from the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, marking a symbolic representation of Odisha's spiritual heritage in the "Temple of Democracy".
Regarding the approval, the Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, Arabinda Kumar Padhee, shared on X, "The Lok Sabha Speaker, accompanied by other dignitaries, visited Shree Jagannatha Temple today seeking blessings from Mahaprabhu. We are deeply thankful to the Speaker for graciously agreeing to our proposal to install one wheel each from the three sacred chariots of Ratha Jatra at a prominent location within the Parliament premises."
Padhee highlighted that this initiative will showcase Jagannath culture and tradition on a national stage.
Following similar past practices where chariot wheels were positioned within the Odisha Assembly and at the state guest house, this initiative will now extend the legacy of Lord Jagannath to the heart of the nation's capital.
Point of View
The installation of the chariot wheels in Parliament signifies a blend of traditional values with modern governance. It highlights the importance of cultural representation in our democratic institutions, making this initiative a proud moment for Odisha and the entire nation.
NationPress
31/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of installing chariot wheels in Parliament?
The installation symbolizes Odisha's rich spiritual heritage and integrates cultural representation into India's democratic framework.
Who proposed the idea of installing the chariot wheels?
The proposal was suggested by the temple administration after Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla's visit to the Shree Jagannath Temple.
What are the names of the chariots involved?
The chariots are named Nandighosha, Debadalana, and Darpadalana.
What was the response from devotees and servitors?
Devotees and servitors welcomed the decision, seeing it as an honor for Odisha and its cultural representation.
Will only the wheels be installed or full chariots?
Currently, it has been decided to install only the wheels, but there are suggestions for full chariot replicas for enhanced representation.
