Here are few important mathematical facts about Rath Yatra – Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra.
- Around 2,188 pieces of wood are needed for the construction of the chariots
- These are chiseled out by around 125 carpenters.
- They work for 58 days at the Mahakala – the front portion of the Palace located near the Jagannath Temple.
- The Chariot of Lord Jagannath is known as Nandighosa. It is also known as Garuda Dhwaja and Kapidhwaja.
- Height: 13’.5m (33 cubits and five thumbs) (45 feet six inches)
- Number of wheels: 16 (seven feet diameter)
- Length and breadth: 34’6” x 34’.6”
- The throne on which Jagannath sits is 35 square feet.
- Wrappings: Red, Yellow color cloths
- Total Number of wooden pieces used: 832 (in some texts it is 742)
- The Chariot of Balabhadra is known as Taladhwaja.
- Height: 13’.2m
- Number of wheels: 14 (seven feet diameter)
- Length and breadth: 33’ x 33’
- Wrappings: Red, bluish green color cloths
- Total Number of wooden pieces used: 763 (731 in some texts)
- The Chariot of Subhadra is known as Darpadalana. It is also referred as Padmadhwaja.
- Height: 12’.9m
- Number of wheels: 12 (seven feet diameter)
- Length and breadth: 31’.6’’ x 31’.6’’
- Wrappings: Red, black color cloths
- Total Number of wooden pieces used: 593 (711 in some texts)
- The measurements of the chariots as per ancient texts are in cubit. It is based on the length of the forearm from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. It is equal to around one and half feet. Another measurement used jaba - the width of the mid-segment of the middle finger.
- Kala Suta - Indigenous scale - It consists of roll of strings of black thread tied to a stick. It is used for measuring and marking.
- Takera Bata - fixed length flat scale with markings used for making axles.