Temple car


Temple cars are chariots that are used to carry representations of Hindu gods. The cars are usually used on annual festival days called 'Ther Thiruvizha', during which many people gather around.
The size of the largest temple cars inspired the Anglo-Indian term Juggernaut, signifying a tremendous, virtually unstoppable force or phenomenon.
The procession of the Asia's largest & greatest temple car of Thiruvarur Thiyagarajar Temple in Tamil Nadu features prominently in an ancient festival held in the town. This festival, called Ratha Yatra, is a famous festival mainly observed in Eastern India. It is usually held annually in March and April, lasts more than 25 days, and is often mentioned in the devotional hymns of saints Tirugnanasambandar and Sundarar, as well as in Tamil literature. This great chariot is said to be the largest of its kind in height and weight, standing at tall and weighing more than 300 tons.
As of 2004, Tamil Nadu had 515 wooden carts, 79 of which needed repairs. Annamalaiyar Temple, Tiruvannamalai, Chidambaram Natarajar Temple are among the temples that possess these huge wooden chariots for regular processions. The Natarajar Temple celebrates the chariot festival twice a year; once in the summer and another in winter. Lord Krishna of Udupi has five temple cars, namely Brahma ratha, Madya ratha, kinyo, and the silver and gold rathas.

Gallery

List of places with Temple cars

Puducherry