Puri: Chandan Yatra at Shree Jagannath Temple in Odisha’s Puri town began on Monday on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, which also heralds the beginning of the construction of chariots for the annual yatra.
It is the longest festival of Lord Jagannath that is held for 42 days in two phases (21 days of Bahara Chandana and 21 days of Bhitara Chandana). It revolves around sandalwood (chandan) paste and water, and features boat rides for the deities to escape summer heat.
During the first 21 days, the representative idol of Lord Jagannath, his consort Laxmi as well as five Shivalingas, known as the Pancha Pandavas, from the 12th-century shrine are taken in
grand processions in six palanquins along the Grand Road to Narendra Pokhari, a large reservoir near the temple. The Dwadash Yatra and Nakshatra Bandapana is usually held at 3 pm and the idols placed on the palanquins at 3.30 pm. After the Agyanmala Bije, the palanquins are taken to Narendra Puskarini at 4 pm.
On their arrival at Narendra Pokhari, the deities are given a sandalwood paste and aromatic water bath for cooling effect. The idols then embark on a ceremonial evening cruise on the tank, also known as “Chapa Khela”, in their respective giant swan-shaped boats.
The deities return to the temple in the same manner. The scene is repeated daily for 21 days.
Devotees gather in large numbers along the tank, chanting and witnessing this vibrant spectacle of faith.
Similarly, special timber logs (Dhaura Katha) are brought to Ratha Khala (construction yard) near the shrine on this day. The construction begins after a sacred ritual involving the Agyan Mala (garland of permission) from Lord Jagannath, which is placed on the logs to signify divine approval.