Bhubaneswar, Aug 30: In a historic and spiritually significant gesture, a wheel from each of the three sacred chariots used during the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra will be installed in the Indian Parliament building — Sansad Bhavan.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has officially accepted the proposal submitted by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), marking a moment of pride and reverence for devotees across the country.

The announcement was made by SJTA Chief Administrator Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee on social media platform X, expressing deep gratitude to the Hon’ble Speaker for his gracious acceptance. The initiative symbolizes the cultural and spiritual unity of India, bringing the divine presence of Mahaprabhu Jagannath into the heart of the nation’s democratic institution.

Om Birla had earlier visited the revered Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, where he offered prayers and interacted with temple officials and servitors. During his visit, the idea of placing the chariot wheels in Parliament was proposed, which he welcomed wholeheartedly.

The wheels, representing the three deities — Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra — will serve as a reminder of India’s rich spiritual heritage and the values of dharma, unity, and service.

Servitors and chariot craftsmen have warmly welcomed the decision, calling it a proud moment for Odisha and a tribute to the centuries-old Rath Yatra tradition.

This move is expected to deepen the cultural connection between the Parliament and the people, especially those who hold the Rath Yatra close to their hearts. It also highlights the growing recognition of regional spiritual traditions at the national level.