Chandan Yatra begins in Puri

Odisha Channel Bureau Puri, April 22: The annual Chandan Yatra of the Lord Jagannath began in Puri on Tuesday on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya the deities went out of the temple to enjoy boating in the Narendra tank for 21 days.As per the religious practice in the Jagannath temple, Madan Mohan, the representative image of Lord Jagannath accompanied by five Shivas go to Narendra tank, a huge water body in the heart of the city for a cool bath to bit the scorching summer heat.The day proceedings of the fete (Dina Chapa) could not be observed on Tuesday as the ceremonial procession reached at the festival site (Narendra Tank) in the evening.As per the schedule, Madan Mohan, his consort Laxmi accompanied by five Shivas believed to be incarnation of Panch Pandavas began their pleasure trip from the temple in six separate palanquins along the Grand Road (Bada Danda) to Narendra tank situated about 1.5 km away from the temple for sandalwood paste bath and boating.The deities on board the decorated palanquins were carried over the shoulders of a special set of servitors known as Biman Badu.The temple musicians recite notes of Geeta Gobinda and Odishi bhajans.The youths of various Jaaga Ghars (schools of martial arts) accompany the deities displaying their skills along the Bada Danda.The rhythmic body movements of palanquin bearers in concert with swinging of the top half of the decorated palanquin, particularly of Madan Mohan called “Manivimana” is a rare treat for the pilgrims and devotees.The accompanying devotees in the procession participate in the bathing ritual and join in grand feast which follows the bathing.The playing of Odishi `Dekha go Radhamadhaba Chali’ on clarinets accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and blowing of conch shells besides display of fireball skill (banati) in the procession presented a splendid scene along the Bada Danda.The deities on their arrival at the Narendra tank were accorded sandal wood paste and aromatic water bath for cooling effect.Then the deities were taken in procession to their respective boats shaped as giant swans.The deities on board move about the tank enjoy the notes and dances of Odishi presented by danseuses on the decks till late in the evening and return to the temple in the manner and style as they went.This scene is repeated every day and on completion of twenty one days the concluding ceremony known as `Bhaunri’ is observed with display of fireworks and music extravaganza.On the other hand, construction of three chariots for forthcoming Rath Yatra also began on Tuesday.As many as 11 Shrotriya Brahmins headed by the temple priest performed a Yagna with Nrusingha Mantra in the chariot construction yard (Rath Halla) to consecrate the timer logs to be used for construction of three chariots.Earlier on the Ram Navami day the wood logs selected for use in construction were purified by observance of Homa.Meanwhile, the Daru of Lord Sudarshan was being brought from Gadakantunia village near Bhubaneswar towards Puri.The Daru after given a definite shape and size as per the Nabakalebara manual was wrapped in silk and patta cloth and then loaded onto a specially made the four wheel wooden cart called Sagadi.The Daru is scheduled to reach Puri on Thursday.