Silvester D’Souza

Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (SP)

Kundapur, Mar 18: A grand and aesthetically appealing chariot for Lord Ram at Ayodhya will be built at Koteshwar near here. The Brahma Ratha that will be the tallest of its kind will also be made here. In all likelihood, there is possibility of the work on the chariot beginning during May. Preparations for the same are under way.

The chariot will be made under the able supervision and guidance of Laxminarayana Acharya of Koteshwara Vishwakarka Karakushala Shilpakala Kendra Koteshwar. Acharya is a widely renowned sculptor of the chariots and has won the national award.

In preparation for the creation of the new chariot, a safe shed is being built at Kumbhashi near Koteshwar. The combined height of the chariot will be 84 feet. The chariot will have wheels with ten-foot diameter, 20 feet base, eight feet pedestal, 36 feet spherical structure to be adorned with flags, and five feet arch along with five feet of Kalasha atop the chariot. Width of the chariot will be 26 feet. It is learnt that teakwood to be brought from Uttarakhand will be used for building the chariot while Malabar ironwood will be used for the wheels.

The chariot will have artistically carvings depicting different events relating to Lord Ram and Ramayana. The chariot will be backed by the concept of showcasing the entire turn of events forming Ramayana through it. The chariot will take two and half years to make. The Swamiji from Ayodhya will arrive to give the work of chariot making to Acharya by handing over betel leaves as per custom after which the work will begin.

It gives a proud feeling for the people here to know that the chariot for Lord Ram will be made at Koteshwar.

Laxminarayana Acharya, a well-known chariot sculptor, has already made a number of Brahma Rathas, Pushpa Rathas and other kinds of chariots for different temples in Karnataka. Now he will have another feather to his illustrious cap, of building the tallest and grandest ever chariot in the world.