The Meaning Behind The Three Chariots Of Jagannath Rath Yatra: A Journey Of Unity And Faith

Every year, millions of people gather in Puri, Odisha, to witness a breathtaking sight: three massive, colorful chariots rolling through the streets, pulled by joyful crowds. This is the Jagannath Rath Yatra, a festival that celebrates Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra. But these chariots are more than just wooden structures, they carry deep symbolism that connects faith, nature, and human life. Let’s unravel the hidden meanings behind these sacred chariots.

The Three Chariots: A Divine Family’s Journey

Each of the three chariots tells a unique story. The tallest, Nandighosa, belongs to Lord Jagannath. Standing 45 feet high, painted in bright yellow and red, it glows like the sun. Its 18 wheels are said to mirror the 18 chapters of the Bhagavad Gita, the sacred text that teaches the balance of duty and righteousness. Beside it rolls Taladhwaja, Balabhadra’s chariot, slightly shorter at 44 feet, draped in blue and red. The 16 wheels here reflect the moon’s 16 phases, a reminder of nature’s cycles and the need for steadiness in life. The smallest chariot, Darpadalana, carries Subhadra. At 43 feet, its black and red tones symbolize the mysteries of the universe and the warmth of a mother’s love, while its 14 wheels represent the interconnected realms of existence, from the heavens to the underworld.

Together, these chariots embody the idea that divinity is not solitary but a family. A bond of siblings who guide, protect, and nurture devotees through life’s journey. The Rath Yatra also commemorates a unique legend. Each year, Lord Jagannath is believed to leave his temple to visit his aunt's home at Gundicha Temple, symbolizing familial love and accessibility of divinity.

Colors That Whisper Ancient Truths

The vibrant colors of the chariots are no accident. Jagannath’s yellow and red signify knowledge and action. The light of wisdom that drives purposeful living. Balabhadra’s blue and red blend the vastness of the sky with the earth’s vitality, teaching us to stay rooted while dreaming big. Subhadra’s black and red, meanwhile, speak to the heart. Black represents the unknown, the divine mysteries we may never fully grasp, while red is the pulse of love and sacrifice that binds families and communities. These colors are a silent language, reminding devotees that faith is not just about rituals, but about living in harmony with the world’s rhythms.

Wheels: Turning the Cycles of Life

The wheels of the chariots are where philosophy meets craftsmanship. Jagannath’s 18 wheels, linked to the Bhagavad Gita, urge devotees to seek purpose and moral clarity. Balabhadra’s 16 wheels, tied to the moon’s phases, echo life’s inevitable ups and downs. A call to remain unshaken in tough times. Subhadra’s 14 wheels, representing the layers of existence, suggest that divine grace touches every corner of the universe, seen or unseen. Together, they spin a message. Life is a journey of balance, resilience, and connection.

Building Unity, One Log at a Time

What makes these chariots truly remarkable is how they’re made. Every year, skilled artisans rebuild them from scratch using over 4,000 logs of sacred neem wood. No nails, screws, or modern tools. Only wooden pegs and ropes hold them together, a technique unchanged for centuries. This process is a lesson in humility and teamwork. Carpenters, painters, and devotees work side by side, their hands guided by ancestral wisdom.

In fact, every 12 to 19 years, a sacred ritual known as Nabakalebara takes place, where the wooden idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are ceremoniously replaced with newly carved ones, and the mysterious “Brahma Padartha”. Believed to be the eternal soul of Lord Krishna. Is transferred into the new idols.

When the chariots are finally pulled through the streets, thousands grip the ropes. Farmers, teachers, children, elders. All equal in the eyes of the divine. Even the King of Puri sweeps the chariot floors in a ritual called Chera Pahara, symbolizing that no one is above service.

A Festival for Today’s World

The Rath Yatra’s symbolism feels timeless, yet deeply relevant today. The chariots, rebuilt annually and recycled into temple kitchens afterward, teach sustainability. A nod to living in harmony with nature. The rough, unfinished wooden deities remind us that imperfection is divine. God is not a distant ideal but a presence in life’s raw, messy beauty.

The temple itself adds layers of intrigue. Built in the 12th century by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva, the Jagannath Temple of Puri is known for many mysteries. Planes are not allowed to fly over it, and its shadow reportedly never falls on the ground. It also closes for 18 days during the Anavasara period when the deities are said to be unwell. A tradition that emphasizes their human-like qualities.

One striking feature of Lord Jagannath’s idol is his large, round eyes, symbolizing eternal watchfulness and inclusivity, showing that the divine is always present and aware.

And while millions flock to the temple, non-Hindus are not permitted to enter. A rule rooted in the site’s long-standing rituals and customs. Still, everyone can witness the Rath Yatra, where Lord Jagannath comes out to meet all. Breaking down social barriers and embracing humanity at large.

The Chariots as Mirrors of Life

Imagine the chariots as reflections of our own lives. Jagannath’s chariot is the mind, seeking truth and purpose. Balabhadra’s is the body, grounding us in strength and stability. Subhadra’s is the heart, guiding us with love and intuition. Together, they move forward. Just as we navigate life by balancing thought, action, and emotion. The Rath Yatra, in this light, becomes more than a ritual. It’s a metaphor for the human journey, where progress happens only when we harmonize our inner selves.

The chariots of the Jagannath Rath Yatra are more than wood and cloth. They carry lessons of faith, duty, and love. As they roll through Puri’s streets, they remind us to live with purpose, care for others, and stay humble. In a busy world, these symbols offer a simple truth: we’re all part of something bigger, moving together toward light and love.

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