Cracks appear in wheels of Taladhwaja and Darpadalana chariots

Cracks developed on the wheels of the two chariots-Taladhwaja and Darpadalana on Monday. The crevices were observed during an inspection of the chariots before the Dakhina Moda (southward turn) rituals.

Pidinahaka wheel of Taladhwaja chariot has developed cracks while Badaucchula wheel of Darpadalana has developed cracks. Iron plates will be installed in both the wheels, said Public Works Department Superintendent. 

Meanwhile, a technical team of the Chariot Construction Committee is inspecting the status of three chariots.  

A few days before the commencement of Rath Yatra, Biswakarma servitors had spotted a crack in one of the axles of Nandighosa chariot while trying to mend the crack with iron clamps. Biswakarma servitors had to replace axles after an inspection team investigated and asked for replacement following a thorough check up.

It may be mentioned that cracks were discovered in the three chariots of Lord Jagannath and his siblings parked outside Gundicha Temple in Puri last year just a day before the 'Dakshina Moda’ ritual or the southward turn last year.

On the other hand, Brahma Taladhwaja chariot of Lord Baladevjew in Kendrapara was pulled to Mausima temple on Monday. The pulling of the chariot was extended by another day as it suffered damage due to an accident. Following the mishap, the servitors, the endowment department and the district administration decided to stop the chariot’s pulling.