Axle of Devi Subhadra's chariot breaks 3 days before Rath Yatra 2017

Puri: Three days before the world famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, axle of Goddess Subhadra’s chariot Darpadalana broke raising apprehensions on smooth ride of the festival this year.

The broken part of the front axle connecting the wheels near the brake has been tied with the help of iron chain temporarily. The Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) and district administration have decided to replace it with a new one.

Soon after the Maharana servitors noticed the fault, Collector, SJTA officials and technical experts rushed to the spot and inspected the broken part. The Maharanas or wood sculptors will be pressed into service for the construction of a new axle within two days, sources said.

Chief Maharana of Nandighosh Rath Bijay Mohapatra said "There must be some fault inside the axle wood. So, it could not withstand the pressure after other parts of the chariot are installed.  We are trying to repair it at the earliest. If needed, a new one will be fixed."

"This not the first instance. Fault in the chariot of Devi Subhadra was also noticed last year and it was mended in time", he added.

Reports said the Darpadalan Rath normally develops minor faults during the fete as the wheels of this chariot are quite heavy.

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