Kendrapada: The authorities of Baladevjew Temple in Odisha’s Kendrapada have implemented significant modifications to the iconic Brahma Taladhwaja chariot and its route, guided by technical recommendations from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bhubaneswar.
The 67-foot-tall wooden chariot, one of the largest of its kind and a centrepiece of the festival in Tulasi Khetra, has undergone design changes, an upgraded braking system, and other enhancements to prevent recurrence of last year’s issues.
Balabhadra Patri, executive officer of the Baladevjew Temple, confirmed that the administration has acted on multiple suggestions from IIT Bhubaneswar. Improvements include refining the chariot’s structure, enhancing braking mechanisms, optimising the geometry of the 2-km Grand Road, and bolstering the drainage system for smoother and safer movement during the procession.
Last year’s Rath Yatra saw cracks develop in some chariot wheels, causing tilting and delays. In response, temple management sought the help of IIT Bhubaneswar to ensure the safe construction and smooth movement of the wooden chariot for the annual Rath Yatra to be held on July 16. Following a detailed engineering assessment of the chariot, the team led by Assistant Professor Manas Ranjan Pattnayak of the School of Mechanical Sciences proposed immediate stabilisation measures, a long-term conservation strategy and consultancy plan for digital documentation to ensure its safe journey.
This year, authorities are constructing ten new wheels and repairing four others, with emphasis on using fresh timber where possible. IIT experts advised on practical techniques such as employing sandbags, wooden stoppers, and dry sand for braking and turning; reinforcing connections between the superstructure and base; improving rope anchorage for better load distribution; and upgrading wheel-axle lubrication.
Pattnayak advocated for creating computer-aided design models, detailed drawings, component catalogues, and digital archives to document and preserve this traditional expertise, which faces risks from socio-economic changes and lack of systematic records.
The Baladevjew Temple, dedicated to Lord Balabhadra (elder brother of Lord Jagannath), holds deep significance in Odisha. The temple structure dates to 1761, built during Maratha rule by Raja Gopal Sandha of Kujang at Ichapur in Kendrapada. The Rath Yatra here features the grand Brahma Taladhwaja chariot carrying the deities Baladevjew, along with Jagannath and Subhadra, making it a major cultural and devotional event that draws devotees from across the region.
