Thousands of devotees participated in the inaugural run of the new chariot chiselled for the famous Sri Brihadeeswarar temple (Big Temple) in Thanjavur on Wednesday.

Thousands of devotees participated in the inaugural run of the new chariot chiselled for the famous Sri Brihadeeswarar temple (Big Temple) here on Wednesday. This is the first time in a hundred years that the chariot festival of the Big Temple, constructed by Chola King Rajaraja I over 1,000 years ago, is being held.

Special poojas commenced early in the morning after which the processional deities were brought to the newly constructed chariot base on the West Main Street. Amid Vedic chanting, the people pulled the decorated chariot, which stood the height of around 50 feet.

The well-crafted chariot, all of 40 tonne and sporting 360 wooden icons depicting various important mythological events on all its facets, rolled on with a majestic gait.

The main thoroughfares — West Main Street, North Main Street, East Main Street and the South Main Street — on which the chariot travels were paved afresh and encroachments removed to clear the path for unhindered movement of the car. The chariot was halted at important junctions where devotees gave their offerings.

A total of six new chariots participated in Wednesday’s festival carrying various deities as per tradition.

Housing Minister R. Vaithilingam, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister R. Kamaraj, Thanjavur Collector N. Subbaiyan, Mayor Savitri Gopal and scion of the Maratha dynasty that once ruled the city Senior Prince Bhabaji Raja Bhonsle were among those who participated.