Work to install new iron wheels and axles for the temple chariots of the Madurai Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple began on Wednesday, ahead of the much-awaited Chithirai Festival car procession. The move follows a minor defect noticed in the iron wheels of the Meenakshi Amman chariot during last year’s procession, prompting temple authorities to take preventive measures to ensure safety, stability, and smooth movement of the sacred cars this year.
The annual Therottam is one of the most significant events of the Chithirai Festival, during which Lord Sundareswarar, accompanied by Priyavidai, is taken in the larger chariot, while Goddess Meenakshi is taken in the smaller chariot through the Masi streets of Madurai. As thousands of devotees gather to witness the ritual, officials have prioritised structural safety and technical preparedness.
An inspection conducted after last year’s event revealed that the existing wheels had been in continuous use for over 20 years and had begun to lose strength. Based on the findings, authorities decided to replace the wheels and the connecting iron axles of both temple chariots.
Madurai, Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Masi Streets, Chithirai Festival, Meenakshi Amman Chariot, Sundareswarar Chariot, Tiruchi Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited
Safety enhancement, festival readiness, replacement of worn-out wheels, preservation of temple heritage, technical restoration, structural reinforcement
Minor defect reported during last year’s procession, prolonged usage of more than two decades, weakening of metal components, preventive maintenance decision, engineering-based inspection
The four wheels and axles for the Sundareswarar chariot were manufactured at a cost of Rs 20 lakh and weigh 16 tonnes, while the wheels and axles for the Meenakshi Amman chariot were produced at a cost of Rs 25 lakh and weigh 11 tonnes, with installation work now under way using heavy lifting machinery
The fabrication work for the new wheels and axles was entrusted to Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited in Tiruchi. The newly designed components are expected to offer greater durability and improved operational reliability for future processions as well. Technical experts, labourers, and machinery operators were engaged in the installation work inside the temple premises.
Temple authorities said the process of fitting the new wheels for both chariots is expected to be completed within the next three days, ensuring that the Chithirai Festival procession is conducted safely and without disruption.
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