Rs 7 crore Navarathna Chariot to be inaugurated on Dec 24

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Dec 21: The Navarathna Chariot, the completion of which is among the projects undertaken by the current Paryaya Shri Puttige Mutt Seer Shri Sugunendra Tirtha, will soon be completed. On Dec 24, at 2:30 p.m., the chariot will be taken in procession to Shri Krishna Mutt and will be inaugurated at night. On Dec 26, 9 a.m., the chariot will be offered to Lord Krishna. At 5 p.m. on the same day, the first Navarathna Rathotsava will be organized.

This chariot, which is 9ft in height, is studded with lakhs of gems. Entirely made of wood, it is plated with 500 kgs copper, 18 kgs silver, and 12 kgs liquified gld. The Shri Krishna Peeta, studded with gems, is set in between the astapatti mantap. Pictures of Lord Vittala, the deity of the Shri Puttige Mutt is set behind the Nadu Pita. Pictures of Hanumantha and Garuda are also placed, along with pictures of Rama, Vamana, Krishna, and Narasimha. 

The estimated cost of this chariot is Rs. 7 crore; and it is being constructed with the financial assistance of devotees. It has been designed and constructed by skilled artists and sculptors from Tamil Nadu under the leadership of artist Tengudorai of Maduari. Currently, 30 sculptors are hard at work giving the final touches to the chariot. The Navarathna Chariot can be dragged within the temple as well as on car Street.