Vijayawada: AP Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy inaugurated the new temple chariot of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Antarvedi in East Godavari district on Friday.

The new chariot completely constructed with Bastar teak wood with 42-foot seven-storied wooden chariot, a total 1330 cubic feet of Bastar teak wood was used for the construction of the massive chariot. It has a length of 14 feet and a width of 14 feet. It is equipped with six massive wheels and hydraulic brakes.

To ensure freer movement of the massive chariot, a special mechanism was put in place. Two massive strong ropes were attached to the chariot, so devotees can drag it on the occasion of Rathotsavam.  A 50 feet high shed with iron gates was constructed to house the chariot in a secure manner.

It was commissioned on Ratha Saptami Day, two days ahead of the president deity Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy’s annual Kalyanostavam, scheduled to be held on February 21, which will be followed by the famous Antarvedi Rathotsavam on February 23.

CM YS Jagan arrived at Antarvedi in a helicopter at around 11:20 and from the helipad proceeded to the temple by road. He was received by the temple priests, ministers and others in a traditional manner.

He offered prayers in the sanctum sanctorum and the priests performed Archana in his name. After the ritual of Mantra Pushpam, he was given Veda Ashirvadam and prasadams. He offered prayers at the temple of Rajyalakshmi, before commissioning the new temple chariot by offering puja and arathi. He formally dragged the chariot along with some of his cabinet colleagues to mark the occasion.

Minister for Endowment Vellampalle Srinivas, Minister for BC Welfare Chelluboyina Venugopalakrishna, Minister for Social Welfare P Viswaroop, Minister for Agriculture K Kannababu, MPs, MLAs and others were present.