The three chariots of Rath Yatra are Nandighosha, standing 45 feet tall with 16 wheels for Lord Jagannath; Taladhwaja, standing 45.6 feet tall with 14 wheels for Balabhadra; and Darpadalana, known alternatively as Devadalana, standing 44.6 feet tall with 12 wheels for Subhadra. Each chariot is rebuilt from scratch every year using specific types of wood and traditional construction techniques passed down through generations of temple carpenters. The chariots travel together along the same 3 km route from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple on 16 July 2026. Their distinct heights and wheel counts reflect the hierarchy and identity of the deity each one carries. This article breaks down the specifications and symbolism of all three chariots.
Knowing these specifications helps visitors identify each chariot as it passes during the procession, since size and wheel count differ noticeably between them. The Rath Yatra Puri 2026 travel guide covers these chariots as part of the full festival overview, and the sections below detail each vehicle individually.
How Tall Is Nandighosha, Lord Jagannath’s Chariot?
Nandighosha stands 45 feet tall and carries 16 wheels, making it the tallest and most heavily wheeled of the three chariots. This chariot carries Lord Jagannath himself and traditionally leads the procession along the 3 km route toward Gundicha Temple. Nandighosha’s wheel count and height distinguish it visually from the two chariots that follow.
How Tall Is Taladhwaja, Balabhadra’s Chariot?
Taladhwaja stands 45.6 feet tall and carries 14 wheels, making it the tallest of the three chariots despite carrying fewer wheels than Nandighosha. This chariot transports Balabhadra, Lord Jagannath’s elder brother, and typically travels ahead of the other two chariots in sequence. Its height exceeds Nandighosha’s by 0.6 feet.
How Tall Is Darpadalana, Subhadra’s Chariot?
Darpadalana, known alternatively as Devadalana, stands 44.6 feet tall and carries 12 wheels, making it the smallest of the three chariots by both height and wheel count. This chariot carries Subhadra, sister to Lord Jagannath and Balabhadra, and completes the trio traveling along Grand Road. Its lower wheel count compared to the other two chariots reflects its position in the traditional procession order.
| Chariot | Deity Carried | Height | Wheels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nandighosha | Lord Jagannath | 45 feet | 16 |
| Taladhwaja | Balabhadra | 45.6 feet | 14 |
| Darpadalana (Devadalana) | Subhadra | 44.6 feet | 12 |
Chariot construction milestones each year include:
- Select timber from designated forest sources months ahead
- Assemble the wooden frame at the temple workshop
- Paint and decorate each chariot in its traditional colors
- Complete construction shortly before the Snana Purnima ritual
Where to Stay for the Best Access to the Chariots
Seeing all three chariots up close on procession day works best from a hotel positioned within easy walking distance of Grand Road. best places to stay in Puri during Rath Yatra ranks the closest lodging zones to the 3 km route these chariots travel.
Are the chariots rebuilt every single year?
Yes, temple carpenters construct all three chariots from scratch each year using fresh timber, rather than reusing structures from previous festivals.
Does Nandighosha carry the most wheels of the three chariots?
Yes, Nandighosha carries 16 wheels, the highest count among the three chariots, exceeding Taladhwaja’s 14 and Darpadalana’s 12.
Confirming the Exact Schedule for 2026
Knowing when each chariot departs the temple and reaches Gundicha Temple requires checking the specific festival-day schedule rather than the chariot specifications alone. key dates and schedule for Puri Rath Yatra 2026 lists the exact timing for the 16 July 2026 procession alongside the Bahuda Yatra return date of 24 July 2026.
