Thiruvarur Thiyagarajar Chariot Vs Puri Jagannath chariot
Both are grand and culturally significant temple chariots, but they differ in size, number, design, and traditions. Here's a comparison:
Concept | Thiruvarur Thiyagarajar Chariot (Azhi Ther) | Puri Jagannath Chariot |
1. Location & Deity
| Tamil Nadu, dedicated to Lord Thyagaraja (a form of Shiva). | Odisha, dedicated to Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra.
|
2. Number of Chariots
| 1 main chariot, though smaller 4 exist for accompanying deities. | 3 chariots (one each for Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra). |
3. Height
| About 96 feet (29 m) – tallest temple chariot in Asia. | About 45 feet (13.7 m). |
4. Width/Base Size | Around 33 feet wide.
| Around 35 feet wide. |
5. Weight
| Estimated to weight 300+ tons, more massive and permanent in structure.
| Each weight 40–60 tons, built fresh every year |
6. Construction
| The main chariot is permanent and only maintained or slightly repaired. | Built anew every year using specified sacred wood (Neem trees).
|
7. Festival
| Very significant in Tamil Nadu, known for its massive participation and spiritual depth.
| One of the most famous festivals in India, drawing millions.
|
8. Style
| Dravidian wooden architecture, with intricate carvings and multiple levels.
| Eastern Indian style with colorful cloth canopies and symbolic iconography.
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Thiruvarur Chariot is larger and heavier, and a marvel of Tamil temple architecture and engineering. Puri Chariot wins in terms of annual ritual scale and pan-India recognition. | ||
