PURI: The holy town of Puri is entering a season of intense spiritual activity this summer. As the annual grand gathering nears, servitors and administrators have met to chalk out plans for smooth operations. This year, the 21-day Chandan Yatra is set to begin on April 20, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya. This date also marks the commencement of the construction of the world-famous chariots for the three presiding deities of the Shree Jagannatha Temple.
Following a high-level Chhatisa Nijog meeting on Monday, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) finalized a comprehensive roadmap for these events.
The Sacred Countdown
April 20 has been confirmed as the date for Akshaya Tritiya, signaling the start of peak summer festivities. This day holds global significance for millions of devotees, as it marks the Anukula (auspicious commencement) of the construction of the three massive chariots for the Rath Yatra.
Simultaneously, the temple will begin the 21-day Chandan Yatra, specifically the Bahara Chandan Yatra (outer cruise). During this festival, the representative deities of the Lord Jagannatha, Balabhadra and Subadra are taken to the Narendra Pushkarini (holy tank) for water cruises to seek relief from the summer heat.
The Divine Procession of Lord Jagannatha
The representative deities include Lord Madanmohan, Sridevi, Bhudevi, and Ramakrishna. Lord Madanmohan represents Lord Jagannatha, while Sridevi (Goddess Lakshmi) and Bhudevi (Goddess Saraswati or Biswadhatri) accompany him. Similarly, Ramakrishna represents Lord Balabhadra and Lord Krishna.
The deities are carried in a beautiful procession from the Shree Jagannath Temple to the Narendra Pushkarini. Lakhs of devotees typically gather along the Grand Road to catch a glimpse of this annual spectacle.
In a unique display of religious harmony within the Jagannath cult, the Pancha Mahadevas—the five most revered Shiva idols from Puri’s ancient temples—also participate in the water cruise. Known as the Pancha Pandavas, these deities are:
- Lord Lokanatha
- Lord Jameswar
- Lord Kapalamochana
- Lord Markandeyeswar
- Lord Nilakantheswar
The Water Cruise (Chapa) of Jagannatha
At the Narendra Pushkarini, the deities are placed on two grandly decorated boats named Nanda and Bhadra. Madanmohan, Sridevi, and Bhudevi travel on one boat, while Ramakrishna and the Pancha Pandavas travel on the second.
The procession begins at the Singhadwara (Lion’s Gate), where the deities are carried to the tank in beautifully decorated palanquins (Vimanas) on the shoulders of specialized servitors known as Biman Badus. This festival serves as a summer retreat for the Lords, featuring the application of cooling sandalwood paste (Chandan) and evening boat rides.
The Ritual Schedule
The SJTA has prepared a tentative schedule to ensure the smooth conduct of the rituals:
- 3:00 PM: Commencement of Dwadasa Yatra and Nakshatra Bandapana.
- 3:30 PM: Deities ceremoniously carried to their Bimanas (palanquins).
- 4:00 PM: Arrival of the Ajyanmala (divine command) at the Ratha Khala (construction yard) and the start of the procession.
- 10:00 PM: Completion of the water cruise and the deities’ return (Bahuda Bije) to the Shreemandir.
SJTA Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee emphasized that the schedule is meticulously designed to ensure devotees can witness the rituals in a disciplined and peaceful environment.
