Bhubaneswar: The first phase of Chandan Yatra of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra concluded with ‘Bhaunri Yatra’.
The 42-day-long Chandan Yatra which is celebrated in the run up to the Rath Yatra of the deities, is divided into two parts. The first phase of 21 days is called ‘Bahara Chandan Yatra’ when the representatives idols of the Puri deities are taken out for a boat ride in Narendra Pokhari.
The second phase is called the ‘Bhitara Chandan Yatra’ or the one that is celebrated within the precincts of the temple.
During Bahara Chandan Yatra representative images of the deities i.e, Rama, Krishna, Madan Mohan, Laxmi and Saraswati and five Lingas known as Lokanatha, Jameswara, Markandaya, Kapala Mochana and Nilakantha or Pancha Pandavas, are carried in six decorated palanquins from Jagannath Temple to Narendra pokhari.
At the pond, the deities are given a sandalwood paste and aromatic water bath and taken to two boats which sail in pond. The boats also have temple dancers onboard, who dance and sing till late evening. This continues for 21 days and the last day is known as ‘Bhaunri Yatra’. Bhaunri or Bhamari Yatra is celebrated with display of fireworks and musical events.
The everyday rituals of Lord Jagannath closely characterise human attributes. His nitees include brushing teeth to going to bed after dinner. Similarly, in summer too to beat the, the the divine siblings are taken to Narendra Pokhari where they enjoy water sports and get some relief from the blistering heat.
Upon completion of Bahara Chandan Yatra, the deities’ ‘Bhitara Chandan Yatra’ starts and it continues for 21 days.
It may be mentioned that Chandan Yatra coincides with auspicious Akshaya Tritiya, marking the beginning of the process of Rath Yatra as the construction of chariots starts on this day.
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