Stories
Jagannath Rath Yatra Chariot Wheel Prices Hiked Up To 4 Lakh
- •The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration in Puri has increased the prices of wheels from the three chariots used during the annual Rath Yatra.
- •A wheel from Lord Jagannaths Nandighosha chariot now costs 4 lakh rupees, up from 3 lakh rupees.
- •Prices for wheels from Lord Balabhadras and Devi Subhadras chariots have also seen significant hikes to 3 lakh and 2 lakh rupees respectively.
- •The administration hopes to attract corporate buyers like IOCL, HPCL, and NALCO, though no prominent organizations have come forward yet.
- •Local residents have expressed concern that the steep price increases treat items of religious sentiment primarily as a source of revenue.
Key Questions Answered
The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration increased the prices for the chariot wheels used during the annual Rath Yatra. A wheel from Lord Jagannath’s Nandighosha chariot now costs ₹4 lakh, up from ₹3 lakh. The price for Lord Balabhadra’s Taladhwaja chariot wheel rose from ₹2 lakh to ₹3 lakh, while Devi Subhadra’s chariot wheel increased from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹2 lakh.
Despite extending the application deadline three times, the temple administration has not yet begun the sale process because the government wants the sacred chariot parts sold at higher prices. Additionally, the administration is reportedly hoping to attract large corporate buyers and public sector undertakings like IOCL, HPCL, and NALCO who might pay above the prescribed rates.
After the Rath Yatra concludes, the three chariots are dismantled by the temple administration. While some of the wood is used as fuel in the temple's kitchen to cook Maha Prasad, important structural components like wheels are auctioned off to devotees and public buyers based on a specific Standard Operating Procedure.
