Jagannath Temple, Puri – Chandan Yatra

Jagannath Temple, Puri – Chandan Yatra

Chandana Yatra also known as Gandhalepana yatra is the longest festival observed at Jagannatha temple at Puri. In Akshaya Tritiya, every year the Chandan Yatra festival marks the commencement of the construction of the Chariots of the Ratha Yatra. Chandana Yatra meaning Sandal wood Voyage in Sanskrit, which continues for 42 days is observed in two parts: Bahara Chandana and Bhitara Chandana

Bahara Chandana:

Bahara Chandana starts from Akshaya Tritiya and continues for 21 days. Construction of the chariots for the annual Ratha Yatra festival starts from Akshaya Tritiya. On the first 21 days the representative idols of the main deities of the Jagannath temple as well as five Shivalingas known as the Pancha Pandava are taken in a procession from the Singhadwara or the Lion Gate of the Jagannatha temple at Puri to the Narendra Tirtha tank.

Utsava idols Madan Mohan, Bhoodevi Sridevi and Ramakrishna participate in this yatra for 21 days. The deities are taken on two chapas (boats), namely, Nanda and Bhadra, on an excursion around the Narendra Teertha. After various rituals the deities are taken to the Narandra pond located near the Jagannath Temple and they are placed on grandly decorated boats for an evening cruise of the tank.

Bhitara Chandana:

The last 21 days include rituals held inside the temple itself. Instead of the daily cruises, the playful ride happens here on four occasions, the Amavasya, the full moon night, on the Shashti and the Ekadashi of the bright fort night.