It can be operated using switches by those walking along
With the Kartheeka Brahmotsavams at Sri Padmavathi Ammavari temple in Tiruchanur set to get under way, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) management has effected some changes in the hydraulic braking system for the wooden chariot used for the ‘Rathotsavam’.
Unlike in the past, when huge wooden blocks were used either to control the speed of the rushing chariot or to bring it to a halt, the TTD has started introducing in a phased manner in its temples the hydraulic braking system, which can be operated using switches by personnel walking along with the chariot.
A trial run was taken up for the chariot for a distance of 150 metres to check the effectiveness of the brakes on Wednesday. Though the system was introduced by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) last year too, it was said to be not up to the mark, with complaints reported that the mammoth vehicle did not stop instantly when the brakes were applied.
“The company has improved the mechanism and presented to us a better version this time”, TTD’s Superintending Engineer-III Ramachandra Reddy told The Hindu. While the hydraulic brakes are presently fitted for the rear wheels of the chariot, the TTD is contemplating to make them available next year for the front wheels too, for better grip and instant halt.
