Chandan Yatra Starts from today (Akshaya Tritiya). This auspicious day also marks the beginning of the construction of the Rathas (Chariots of Maha Prabhu).
Chandan Yatra meaning Sandalwood Voyage in Sanskrit, which continues for 42 days is observed in two parts: Bahara Chandana and Bhitara Chandana.
Bahara Chandana starts from Akshaya Tritiya and continues for 21 days. Bahara Chandan Yatra is performed at the Narendra Tirtha Tank.
In this Yatra, the deities are taken out of the temples in procession for a holy patrol in water on boats, as it is believed that all the land ceremonies must be ended only after the deities have an aquatic sojourn. The extremely decorated boats of the deities are called ‘Chaapa’. Generally designed in red and white color, the boats mark their resemblance to huge swans floating on water.
Rath Construction starts in Puri
The construction of the chariots for the ratha yatra has commenced on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya and will be completed on the first day of shuklapaksha of Asadha. The chariots are made in a sequence, First the production of the Chariots is organised by categorising it in nine steps; secondly, the process of construction is sequenced in such a way that first it is the chariot of Balabhadra that reaches a particular stage of completion then chariot of Jagannath and finally Subhadra’s chariot.
The nine definite points – Haribol
The 21st day of the Chandan Yatra (bahuni dina) is an occasion for the first recitation of Haribol because it is then that the wheels are made to stand. The second recitation follows, when the vertical columns (dandia) stand in an upright position). When the four main pillars (chari nahaka) are erected, then the third recitation takes place. A roof (kanaka mundai or golden head) is built over these pillars. On this roof, eight pillars (atha nahaka) are erected. This spells the time for the fourth recitation. The fifth recitation is due when the installation of the four gates (chari duara) is complete. The time of the wooden shift (potala) signifies the sixth recitation. The seventh recitation takes places when the ‘top of the skull’ (talu) is sealed. When the round vessel is brought onto the top (dadhi nauti), it is time for the eighth recitation. It is time for the nine recitation when the back rest (prabha) is fastened behind the Simhasana.
Source – Internet
Comments
comments