Dungarpur : In Dungarpur’s Rathotsav, 100 to 500 years old chariots participate in the festival. In the district, 3 chariots are taken out in Dungarpur city, 2 in Sagwara city, Peeth, Thana, Saroda, Padwa, Obari, Chitri, Galiakot, Bhiluda, Sabla, Nithaua. This tradition of Rathotsav at the end of Paryushan festival is special for Dungarpur-Banswara district.
The symbol of Jain philosophy is visible on the chariot
Cultural reflection is seen in this wooden chariot. It has one to three storeys. It looks the same from all four directions. The symbols of Jain philosophy and the colours of Indian culture are visible in it. The chariot has Digambar Muni Mudra, figures of gods and goddesses, elephants, horses, lions and other animals and birds. There are five silvers on the top of the chariot. The umbrella flutters the flag of Jainism. These are the symbols of Jain philosophy.
Message of protection of religion and nation on the chariot
Its aura and fan glorify the great Tirthankara Bhagwans. The pictures of gatekeepers and guards on the chariot giving the message of protecting religion and nation, pictures of Chakravati and Mahabali kings riding royal elephants tell of ancient Indian splendor and rich glorious history. This chariot gives the message of keeping traditions alive. It is decorated with silver chhammar, gold and silver ornaments, which is worth seeing. This tradition has been going on for more than 500 years. Not only Jain community but people from all communities, religions and castes come to Rathotsav.
prepared like this
The chariots have been made by the Suthar community. Good quality wood has been used in the chariot. The Suthar community has made two to three storey chariots with fine carvings on the wood. Wood from Himachal, Uttarakhand and other districts has been used in it. It is said that it took a lot of time to make it. The wooden chariots are from 100 years to more than 500 years old.
Meeting of chariots at Sagwara
In Dungarpur, the first chariot starts from Kotdiya Jain temple, in which Lord Adinath is seated. The second chariot starts from Mama-Bhanja temple, in which Lord Mallinath and Lord Neminath are seated. The third chariot is of Unda temple Fauj Ka Badla, in which Lord Neminath is seated. All three chariots reach the embankment of Gapsagar with fanfare. In Sagwara city, there are two chariots made of wood of Jain community, the first chariot starts from the temple of Seths. After this, it starts from Nava temple and Juna temple.
