What Does the Installation of Jagannath Chariot Wheels in Parliament Mean for Odisha?

Historic Installation of Jagannath Chariot Wheels in Delhi

In a significant move, servitors and devotees expressed their approval of the decision to place the wheels of the three chariots dedicated to Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra within the Parliament complex in New Delhi.

Somnath Khuntia, a servitor from the ancient temple, shared insights with a news outlet, stating, "Recently, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla visited the temple and had the opportunity to see Lord Jagannath. He prayed for the welfare and progress of everyone. Upon his return, the temple administration proposed that the wheels of the chariots be installed in Parliament, to which the Speaker consented."

Khuntia regarded this decision as a prestigious moment for Odisha and its devotees around the globe.

He further recommended that full replicas of the chariots be created instead of just the wheels to better represent the grandeur and cultural significance of the 12th-century temple.

In a historic first, the wheels from the three chariots—Nandighosha, Debadalana, and Darpadalana—are set to be installed in the Parliament complex, symbolizing Odisha's spiritual legacy at the 'Temple of Democracy.'

The Lok Sabha Speaker has endorsed a proposal from the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, marking a significant cultural representation.

Arabinda Kumar Padhee, the Chief Administrator of the temple, announced the Speaker's approval on social media, expressing gratitude for the decision to install one wheel from each of the three sacred chariots in a prominent area of Parliament.

Padhee emphasized that this initiative will elevate the visibility of Jagannath culture and traditions on a national scale.

This initiative mirrors previous efforts where chariot wheels were displayed at the Odisha Assembly and state guest house, now extending Lord Jagannath's legacy to the heart of the nation's capital.