Mysuru: The centre of attraction at the Annual Jathra Mahotsava at Suttur (Jan. 13 to Jan. 18) would be the new chariot (Ratha).

The Ratha will be used for the Maha Rathotsava on Jan. 15 and it will be dedicated to Adijagadguru Sri Shivarathreeshwara Shivayogi.

The idea of the Ratha, conceptualised two years ago, was turned into reality by Sculptor Basavaraja S. Badiger from Bengaluru, along with his two sons and students who have built the structure keeping the traditional aspects in mind.

Shekar from Tiruchirapalli in Tamil Nadu has provided the iron axles, air brakes and steering facility for the chariot while the iron Gopura has been built by Prabhu of Badami village.  

The 55-feet tall Ratha, weighing over 45 tonnes and built at a cost of Rs. 2 crore, would be dedicated by Governor Vajubhai R. Vala. The Ratha has been built with security features such as hydraulic brakes and a provision to steer its direction of movement.

The wood (teak, red sanders and sandalwood) for the  chariot has been procured from Dandeli forests. Experts in  various aspects have been roped in for various components of the Ratha.