The third lunar day of the bright half of the Vaishakha month is known as Akshay Tritiya. In Sanskrit the word “Akshaya” means imperishable or inexhaustible. Therefore, Hindus consider this day as an auspicious day and begin all works from this day considering that any work started on this auspicious day will result success.
Typically, Akshay Tritiya day falls in the month of April or May. This time it is the last day of April 2025 when the Sri Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, hosts significant rituals and events that mark this auspicious day. Preparations for the annual Rath Yatra and the Chandan Yatra begins from this day. Here’s a detailed overview of what happens at the temple on this auspicious day:
Commencement of Rath Yatra Chariot Construction:
Akshay Tritiya marks the ceremonial start of constructing the three massive chariots for the Rath Yatra, the grand chariot festival of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra.
Temple servitors perform a special ritual at the Rath Khala (chariot construction yard) outside the temple. The ritual involves worshipping wooden logs used for the chariots.
The Agyan Mala (garland of permission) from Lord Jagannath is brought by priests and placed on the logs, symbolizing divine approval to begin construction.
Nearly 100 carpenters, primarily from the Bhoi Maharaja artisan families, start crafting the chariots, which are named Nandighosha (Lord Jagannath), Taladhwaja (Lord Balabhadra), and Debadalana (Devi Subhadra).
Chandan Yatra :
Akshay ritiya also marks the beginning of the Chandan Yatra, the longest festival of the Jagannath Temple, lasting 42 days. It is also known as Gandhalepana Yatra.
During this festival, representative idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and the five Shivalingas (known as Pancha Pandava) are taken in a ceremonial procession from the temple’s Singhadwara (main gate) to the Narendra Tirtha tank, located near the temple.
At the Narendra Tirtha, the deities are placed on elaborately decorated boats for an evening cruise, symbolizing a divine journey. Sandalwood paste (chandan) is applied to the deities to keep them cool during the summer heat.
The Chandan Yatra is divided into two phases: Bahara Chandan (outer phase, first 21 days, involving processions) and Bhitara Chandan (inner phase, next 21 days, performed within the temple).
Other Rituals and Observances:
Devotees offer prayers to Lord Jagannath, seeking blessings for prosperity and success, as Akshay Tritiya is considered highly auspicious for new beginnings.
Special pujas are performed, including offerings of sandalwood paste, flowers, and tulasi leaves to the deities.
In some years, due to external circumstances like the COVID-19 pandemic (e.g., 2020), the Chandan Yatra and Akshay Tritiya rituals were conducted inside the temple premises without public participation, with priests using tubs instead of the Narendra Tirtha tank for the boat ritual.
Cultural and Spiritual Significance:
Akshay Tritiya is associated with prosperity and eternal blessings, and the rituals at the Jagannath Temple reflect this belief. The day is considered ideal for initiating significant activities like the chariot construction, which is a key part of the temple’s annual festivities.
The festival also aligns with agricultural traditions in Odisha, where farmers begin sowing rice paddy for the Kharif season, often after performing rituals to honor Mother Earth and Lord Jagannath.
Public Participation:
On normal years, devotees are allowed to witness the rituals, including the Chandan Yatra procession and the initial chariot construction ceremonies. However, access may be restricted during special circumstances, as seen in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions. In 2022, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) announced the resumption of public darshan for Akshaya Tritiya and Chandan Yatra after a two-year hiatus, reflecting the significance of these events for devotees
