NEELA CHAKRA

NEELA CHAKRA

The metal wheel at the top of Lord Jagannath temple is known as Neela Chakra (Blue Wheel). The wheel is made of eight metals comprising of iron, copper, zinc, mercury, lead, brass, silver and gold. The wheel is said to be Lord Vishnu's most powerful weapon, Sudarshana Chakra. It is believed that the same Sudarshana is also at the top of the temple and is known by the name of Neela Chakra. Its circumference is about 36 feet and it is so designed that there is a wheel within the wheel. The circumference of the inner wheel is about 26 feet. Eight hubs join together the inner and the outer wheels. There are decorative designs on the outer wheel. The thickness of the Neela Chakra is 2 inches. The flag pole attached to the Neela Chakra is 38 feet long. After covering the breadth of the Neela Chakra, this pole extends 25 feet high above it. The figures carved on the outer circumference of the outer wheel are figures of eight Navagunjaras. In Hindu culture the Navagunjara or Nabagunjara is a creature formed out of the parts of nine different animals and birds. All the eight Navagunjaras are facing towards the Neelachakra flag. There is a specific category of people among the temple sevayats to serve the Neela Chakra and they are known as Garuda Sevaka or Chunara Nejoga. The pilgrims hold these sevayats in high esteem because everyday at sunset the Garuda Sevakas climb to the top of 214 feet high temple to fasten flags, offered by the devotees, on the flag pole attached to the Neela Chakra.