Chandan Yatra

Chandan Yatra also known as Gandhalepana yatra is the longest festival observed at Jagannath temple at Puri, India. Chandan Yatra meaning Sandalwood Voyage in Sanskrit, which continues for 42 days is observed in two parts: Bahara Chandana and Bhitara Chandana

The Narendra Tirtha tank where ceremonies of Bahara Chandana are performed

Bahara Chandana

Bahara Chandana starts from Akshaya Tritiya and continues for 21 days. Construction of the chariots for the annual Rath Yatra festival starts from Akshaya Tritiya.[1]

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 Jagannath temple at Puri to the Narendra Tirtha tank.[2] After various rituals the deities 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.[3] 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.[4]

References

  1. "Akshya Tritiya in Jagannath Temple - Information & Articles – Information & Articles - Orissa News, Oriya News". news.fullorissa.com. 2012. Retrieved 16 May 2012. From this day, the chariot making work of world fomous rathyatra is started
  2. Details of Chandan Yatra
  3. Panda, Namita (6 May 2011). "The Telegraph - Calcutta (Kolkata) | Orissa | Time to build rath, buy gold". telegraphindia.com (Calcutta, India). Retrieved 16 May 2012. the next 21 days will be celebrated indoors only in the Bhitara Chandana
  4. "Chandan Yatra in Puri, Chandan Yatra, Chandan Yatra Festival Puri, Famous Puri Chandan Yatra". visitodisha.net. 2012. Retrieved 16 May 2012. the playful ride happens here on four occasions

External links