Archive · 26 Jul 2026
Puri Rath Yatra Once Featured Six Chariots
The Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha, is a famous festival where three chariots carry the deities Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple.
However, during the reign of Gajapati King Purushottama Deva in the late 15th century, six chariots were used.
This change happened because Queen Padmavati wanted to see the deities from separate chariots.
The chariots were used to cross a river called Malini that once ran along the Grand Road.
Today, only three chariots are used, each named Nandighosa, Taladhwaja, and Darpadalana (Devadalana).
The Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha, features three chariots carrying the deities Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra.
During the reign of Gajapati King Purushottama Deva in the late 15th century, six chariots were used instead of three.
Queen Padmavati's desire to witness the deities from separate chariots led to the use of six chariots.
The chariots were used to cross a river called Malini that once ran along the Grand Road.
Today, the three chariots used are Nandighosa, Taladhwaja, and Darpadalana (Devadalana).
- Who
- Devotees and the royal family during the reign of Gajapati King Purushottama Deva
- What
- The Jagannath Rath Yatra festival featuring six chariots instead of the current three
- When
- Late 15th century
- Where
- Puri, Odisha, India
- Why
- To accommodate Queen Padmavati's desire to witness the deities from separate chariots
Historical Significance
Modern Tradition
Number of Chariots
Historical Significance
Six chariots were used during the reign of Gajapati King Purushottama Deva in the late 15th century.
Modern Tradition
Three chariots are used today, carrying Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra.
- Festival Name
- Jagannath Rath Yatra
- Location
- Puri, Odisha, India
- Deities Involved
- Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Goddess Subhadra
- Historical Period
- Late 15th century during the reign of Gajapati King Purushottama Deva
- Current Chariots
- Nandighosa, Taladhwaja, Darpadalana (Devadalana)