Puri: Purushottam Kshetra, or Puri is the ‘Moola Peeth’ with respect to the Jagannath tradition, cult and heritage. “As per our knowledge, Puri is the most recognised and holy pilgrim town pertaining to Jagannath worship, and the chariots or ‘Raths’ here must be the tallest, than those anywhere in the world,” said Gajapati Dibyasingh Deb, the titular King of Puri.
The Puri Gajapati, who is the First servant or Adyasevak of Lord Jagannath said that no other chariot built anywhere should be taller than the Raths (Chariots) built at Purushottam Kshetra (Puri) during Rath Yatra.
The Gajapati was responding to queries pertaining to the controversy over the ‘tallest’ 72-feet high chariot at Keonjhar. “I do not have any concrete information about this matter. However, you all may speak to researchers and seers about this.”
“It has been a tradition in Odisha since time immemorial to rever Puri and the Chariots built here in the glory of Lord Jagannath. Rulers of kingdoms, fiefdoms, and ‘Gadajats’ ensured that the chariots built under their respective jurisdictions were smaller in height than Puri’s.” the Gajapati said.
Deb further said that only after the Chariots at Puri commenced their journeys to Gundicha temple, did the Raths or chariots at other places started rolling – It was all a mark of reverence to Purushottam Kshetra.
“So, this has been the tradition of Odisha. I leave it to you all – whether this tradition should continue or deviations may be allowed. This is the ‘Moola Peetha’ and all places where Lord Jagannath is worshipped follow Puri,” the Gajapati added.
