PURI: Construction of the three chariots of the Trinity __ lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra and Balabhadra __ began on Saturday. Accompanied by 11 Swotriya Brahmins, the temple ‘purohit’ performed ‘homa’ to mark the beginning of the work.
As per the tradition, the temple priests handed over Ajnya Mallya (order of lord Jagannath) to the three heads of the Biswakarmas (carpenters) clan to initiate the construction of three massive chariots for the Rath Yatra.
Prior to that, Deula Karan (head of the temple administration) presented the Biswakarmas, Roopakaras (painters) and Kamars (Blacksmiths) the ceremonial turbans entrusting them the responsibility of chariots. Earlier on Ram Navami, the wooden logs selected for use in the construction were consecrated by the temple priest.
This year, the Rath Yatra of the Trinity will be celebrated on June 25.